Ganesha Brahmesha Suresha Seshaah Suraascha Sarvey Manavey Muneendraah, Saraswati Shri Girijaadikaascha Namanti Devyah Pranamaami tham Vibhum/ (I salute that Unique Paramatma whom Ganesha, Brahma, Maha Deva, Devendra, Sesha Naaga and other Devas, Manus, Sages as also Sarasvati, Lakshmi, Girija and other Devis stoop their heads down). Sthulaasthanurnurvidathatam Trigunam Viraajam, Vishwaani Lomavivareshu Mahaantamaadhyam/ Srushtyunmukhah Swakalayaapi Samarja Suksham, Nithyam Samethya idiyastamajam bhajaami/ (I bhajaami/ (I worship in my heart and soul that Inimitable Virat Purusha who materialised separate Forms of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva to perform the three acts of Creation, Preservation and Demolition with the aid of Three Features of Satvika, Rajasika and Tamasika respectivley and absorb the whole Universe in his hairy pores of skin by his Sukshma Rupa or ‘Antaryaami Atma’ (Inner Conscience). Vandey Krishnam Krishnam Gunaateetam Gunaateetam Param Param Brahmaachutam Brahmaachutam yatah/ Aavirbhu Aavirbhu Bhuvah Bhuvah Praktruthi Praktruthi Brahma Brahma Vishni Shivaadayah/ (I greet Para Brahma Vaasudeva who is all pervading and everlasting from who had emerged Prakriti Maya, as also Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and other Devas). At the huge gathering of Sages at Naimisharanya, Shounaka Muni requested Suta Maharshi to narrate such a Purana in which the ‘Karana Tatwa’ or ‘raison d’tre’/ motivation of the Supreme Being taking ‘Form and Substance’; whether this ‘Form’or ‘Form’or of ‘Prakriti’ was definable by ‘Gunas’ (Features), ‘Tatwas’ (Characteristics) and ‘Kalas’ (attributes); the manifestations of that Paramount Power representing Creation, Preservation and Demolition; the various methods of ‘Dhyana’(meditation), the Targets of meditation in Goloka, Vaikuntha, Shivaloka, as also of the ‘Amsas’or alternate Forms of Devas. Krishna creates Tri Murtis and Devis & grants equal status to Shiva

Narrating Narrating the Brahma Brahma Vaivarta Vaivarta Purana, Purana, Suta Suta Maharshi Maharshi divided divided it five five broad Chapters Chapters viz. Brahma Khanda, Prakriti Khanda, Ganapati Khanda, Shi Krishna Janma Khanda and Uttara Khanda. In the Brahma Khanda, the Genesis of the Universe was traced when there was only a Massive Fund of ‘Jyotishpunja’or of Immense Illumination comparable to crores of Surya Devas out of which Maha Yogis and Maharshis were stated to have visioned Goloka Dham, beneath which which were were situated situated Three Three Lokas. In In Goloka, Goloka, stated stated to be of three three crore crore Yojanas Yojanas of width and length, there were no ‘Adhi- Vyadhis’ (Stresses of Physical, Mental, Intellectual, and cosmic imbalances), ‘Jara-Mritus’ (old age and death) and ‘Shoka-Bhayaas’ (Agonies and Fears) among the Goloka Residents where Shri Krishna was the Over Lord. During Pralaya time, only Bhagavan Shri Krishna was the unique resident, but as Srishti (Creation) resumed after Pralaya, it was full of Gopas and Gopikas. Some fifty crore yojanas underneath Golaka, was Vaikuntha to the right side and Shivaloka to the left.Vaikuntha loka was of the spread of a crore yojanas in which Bhagavan Narayana and Lakshmi resided and Shivaloka of an equal spread where Bhagavan Shankara stayed. Goloka was full of magnificent radiance and joy while Shri Krishna dressed in silks, adorned with Koustubha, Murali (flute) in his hands, a golden ‘Kirita’ (headgear) on his head; body fragrance of sandalwood powder and kumkum and a ‘Vanamala’ round his neck sat with poise, as an Embodiment of Sachhidananda (Truthful, hearty and blissful) Nirvikara (Unaffected and changeless), Shanta

nu maya (Ever Peaceful), Mangala (Propitious) Avinaashi (Indestructible) Satpurusha (The Noblest) Sampurnachitta (Totally Conscientious) and Samasta Vidita( The Omni-scient). As Bhagavan Krishna found that after ‘Pralaya’, the entire Universe was empty, dark, devoid of Sky, Air, Water, Earth and Fire and as he had none to assist, he created from his right side three ‘Gunas’viz.Satvika, Rajasika and Tamasika and through these created ‘Maha Tatwa’, ‘Ahamkara’, ‘Pancha Tanmatras’ of ‘Rupa’(Form), ‘Rasa’(Taste), ‘Gandha’(smell), ‘Sparsha’(Touch) and ‘Shabda’(sound) and ‘Pancha Vishayas’/ Indriyas. Then Bhagavan Krishna materialised ‘Narayana’ whose body colour was ‘Shyama’ (black), ever-young, ‘Peetambaradhari’ (red silk robed) and ‘Vanamaali’just like himself. Vishnu has four arms carrying Shankha (Conch-shell), Chakra (Wheel), Gada (Mace) and Padma (Lotus). Like himself, Bhagavan Krishna created Narayana with an alluring smile, a countenance like ‘Sharatkaala Purnima Chandra’ (the full moon night of Autumn season bringing out special joy), Koustubha Mani, ‘Shri Vatsa’/ birth spot on his ‘Vakshasthala’ (chest) where Devi Lakshmi resided as a near-replica of Bhagavan Krishna himself. As Krishna created Narayana , the latter eulogised Krishna as follows: Varam Varenyam Varadam Varaaham Varakaaranam, Kaaranam Kaaranaanaam cha Karma tatkarma -kaaranam/ Tapastastphaladam shashwat tapaswinaam cha taapasam, Vandey Nava Ghana Shyaamam Swaatmaaraamam manoharam/ Naiskaamam kaama rupamcha kaamaghnam kaamakaaranam, Sarava Sarveswaram Sarva bijarupamanutthamam/ Vedarupam Vedabeejam Vedoktaphaladam phalam, Vedagjnam tadvidhaanam cha Sarva Veda varaam varam/ (My salutations to you Shri Krishna! You are the Supreme; the adored by the adorers, the bestower of boons, the cause of the confirment of boons, the cause of the causes; the result of the deeds and the deed of the results; the form of meditation; the fruit of meditation; the donor of the fruit; the Exemplary Tapaswi; the one with the body colour of fresh cloud uniqueness; the most charming and the soulful of distinction! My obeisances to you Shri Krishna, as you are the Kamarupa (The Form of Desire), the Nishkama (The One without Desires), the Kamaghna (the demolisher of desires); the ‘Kamakarana’ or root cause of Kama or desire; Sarva Rupa, Sarva beeja swarupa or the Seed of all manifestations; the Sarvottama or the Noblest; the Sarveswara; the Profile of Vedas; the Provider of Fruits of Vedas; the Creator, the Embodiment as also the Greatest Exponent of Vedas!) Having commended as above, Narayana was manifested as the greatest Preserver of the Universe once the process of Creation would progress and got ready to assume his extraordinary powers and also the responsibilities. Any person who reads or hears the above few lines would obtain their wishes like good progeny or an ideal life-partner fulfilled; a person who is facing problems like unemployment, dethronement, poverty or insufficient resources, long standing illnesses or even imprisonment would quickly recover and overcome all difficulties and secure positive benefits. From Paramatma Shri Krishna’s left side of his physique emerged Bhagavan Shiva whose body-glow was crystal-clear with ‘Pancha Mukhas’ (Five heads), whose his four directions were like his Vastras (clothes)-in other words ‘Digvastra, head adorned with golden and knotted thick hairs, three eyes on each of his heads, ornamented with half-moon like headgear and carrying Trishula, Spear and ‘Japamala’(rosary of beads). He is the Yogeswara of Yogis, ‘Mrityu’ of ‘Mrityus’ (Terminator of Terminators), ‘Mrityumjaya’ or the Conqueror of Mrityu, Maha Gyani, Gyana Swarupa, and Bestower of Gyana. Bhagavan

nu maya Shiva went into raptures as he made the following commendation to Shri Krishna: Jayaswarupam Jayadam Jayesham Jayakaaranam, Pravaram Jayadaanaam cha Vamdey tama paraajitam/ Vishwam Vishveyshvaresham cha Vishwastam Vishwakaarana kaaranam/Viswharakshaa kaaranam cha Vishvaghnam Vishwajam param, Phalabeejam phalaadhaaram phalamcha tatphalapradam/ Tejah swarupam teyjodam Sarvatejasvinaam varam/ ( I greet Bhagavan Shri Krishna who is Victory personified, the Provider of Victory, Capable of granting Victory, the reason for bestowing Victory, and the best among those who gift Victory away and as the invincible par excellence. I hail Paramatma Krishna who represents the Totality of Universal Manifestation; he is the Maheswara of Ishwars of the Universe; the inspiration behind the existence of the Universe; the fulcrum of the Universe; the great conviction to generate the Universe; and the cause of the causes to create the Universe. I pray to Krishna who crafts the Srishti, preserves and upholds it and demolishes it finally. I salute Shri Krishna who is kick-start of Srishti as a seedling, the strong hold of it as a growing plant and eventually as a tree; the outcome fruits of the Tree and the final terminator of the Tree. Indeed I acknowledge the Supremacy of Shri Krishna who is a symbol of Illumination, his unparalelled Form, and inimitability). Those persons who read or hear the ‘Stotra’given above shall achieve all kinds of ‘Siddhis’(Powers) and witness Victory at every step in life. They secure good friends; properties, prosperity and immense intelligence as also sizeably diminish enemies, griefs and sins. Thereafter, the Greatest Tapasvi Brahma Deva emerged from the Lotus sprouted from the navel of Shri Krishna along with four heads, a ‘Kamandalu’ (water carrying vessel) with his Vastras /clothes, teeth and hair all in lustrous white. Lord Brahma is the Ishwara of Yogis, the Chief of Sculptors and Architects, and the Apex Creator of the ‘Charaachara Jagat’ or the Moving and Immobile Beings; the Embodiment of Chatur Vedas and the husband of Sarasvati-the Goddess of Vidya / Learning, Knowledge and Vedangas viz. Siksha, Kalpa, Jyotisha, Vyakaran, Nirukta and Chhandas; he is also the Epitome of Satvika Guna. Brahma extolled Shri Krishna as follows: Krishnam vandey Gunaateetam Govindamekamaksharam, Avyakta- mavyayam Vyaktam Gopavesha vidhaayinam/ Kishora vayasvam Shanta Gopikantam Manoharam, Naveena neerada shyaamam koti kandarpa sundaram/ Vrindaavana –vanaarbhyarney Raasamandala samsthitam, Raasehwaram Raasavaasam Raasollasa Samutsukam/ (My greetings to Govinda Krishna! You are far beyond the three Gunas of Satva-Rajo-Tamasas and the unique and indestructible Parameswara; You have no prejudices nor prides; the ‘Vyakyaavyakta’or the Perceivable yet Inconceivable, with the attire of a Gopa boy, eternally as a teen-ager, ever peaceful and charming, with a body of cloudy colour, busy with Raasa mandali affairs at Vrindavan, performing Rasa leelas (dance dramas) with abundant enthusiasm as a ‘Raaseswara’. Sincere reading of the Stotra helps provide excellent progeny, health and fame. Dharma Purusha was materialised from Bhagavan Krishna from his ‘Vakshasthala’ (Chest) with white robes, of white body-colour and as an Embodiment of Purity, Virtue, Justice and Peace. Being fully devoid of the ‘Shad Vargas’of Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada and Matsara (Desire, Anger, Greed, Infatuation, Arrogance and Jealousy), Dharma is also of Dharma Swarupa, Dharmishtha (Dharma Practitioner) and Dharm Pradata (The bestower of Dharma). The major purpose of materialisation of Dharma was to teach, practise, train, enforce, promote punish and reward all those who falter or follow Dharma. All those who recite the twenty four names of Shri Krishna as addressed by Dharma would have all the sins

nu maya and difficulties disappeared just as serpents vanish at the sight of Garuda, the Carrier of Vishnu; these Sacred Names are: Krishna, Vishnu, Vaasudeva, Paramatma, Ishwar, Govinda, Paramaananda, Eka, Akshara, Achyuta, Gopeswara, Gopishwara, Gopa, Gorakshaka, Vibhu, Gopa Swami, Goshtha Nivaasi, Govatsa pucchadhari, Gopa Gopi Madhya Viraajamana, Pradhana, Purushottama, Navaghana Shyaama, Raasavaasa, and Manohara. Devi Sarswati appeared from Bhagavan Krishna’s mouth along with a veena and a book, and she was radiant like crores of Moons; her eyes were as graceful as a lotus of Sharat season and were wearing as pure a Vastra as Agni with a charming smile. She was the mother of Shrutis, Shastras, and Vidwaans. Shri Krishna created later Maha Lakshmi from his mind as an ever youthful Devi who was the ‘Adhishthatri’ of Ishwarya (Opulence) and the bestower of Prosperity to one and all; she is called Adi Lakshmi, Rajya Lakshmi, Dhairya Lakshmi, Dhana /Dhanya Lakshmi, Santaana Lakshmi, Veera Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi.She praised Krishna saying that he was the Satya Swarupa or the Embodiment of Truth, Satya Bija or the Seed of Truth from which the plant sprouts, ‘Satyaadhaara’or the Hold of Truth, and ‘Satyamula’ or origin of Truth. From his ‘Buddhi’ (intellect), Bhagavan created Mula Prakriti Devi Eshwari with the complexion of molten gold compable to innumerable Suryas wearing a blood-red Saree with hundred hands holding Trishul, Shakti, Sharanga Dhanush, Khadga, Bana, Shankha, Chakra, Gada, Padma, Akshamala, Kamandalu, Vajra, Ankusha, Paasha, Bhushundi, Danda, Tomar, Narayanaashtra, Brahmaastra, Roudraastra, Paashupataashtra, Parjanyaashtra, Vaarunaashtra, Agneyaastra and Gaandharvaastra. She is the ‘Adhishtana’ Devata of several Shaktis including Nidra (Sleep), Trishna (Undue desire), Kshudha (Hunger), Pipasa (Thirst), Daya (Mercy), Shraddha (Fortitude) and Kshama (Endurance). She exalted Shri Krishna saying that she was looked up as Praakriti, Maheswari and Sarva Shakti Swarupi but without his backing, she would indeed be ineffective and that he was the Pati (Master), Gati (Destiny), Paalak (Administrator), Srashta (Creator), Samharak (Destroyer) and Punah Srishti Kaarak ( Re-Creator); if he so decides he could create crores of Vishnus by his mere brow-beats; the Tri Murtis would not be able to adequately praise him, much less comprehend him and so on. Devi Savitri was the next Creation from the tip of Shri Krishna’s ‘jihva’ (tongue) with crystal-like spotless white coloured attire and a ‘Japamala’ (rosary of beads). As the mother of Vedas, she was the target of daily japa by humanity, especially the Brahmanas with the Pranava Mantra viz. the Gayatri Mantra, providing them the power of radiance and intellect. From his mind, Shri Krishna created Kamadeva and Kamini, popularly called Manmadha and Rati Devi. Kamadeva had ‘Pancha Baanaas’ (Five Arrows) viz. Maaran, Stambhan, Jrumbhan, Soshan and Unmaadan, which were used by this Deity of Love. From Shri Krishna’s eye-twinkle emerged Agni and Swaha; in continuity he materialised Jala and Varuna / Vaaruni; from his breathing emerged Vaayu (Pavana) and Vayavi.

As a drop of Shri Krishna’s virility fell in water, there was a huge egg that came into being and a Maha Virat Purusha called ‘Maha Vishnu’ got materialised as the sixteenth ‘Amsa’ of Shri Krishna. As Maha Vishnu was floating on water, there were two Daityas-Madhu and Kaitabha-created from the dirt of his ears and as they tried to attack Brahma, the latter approached Maha Vishnu who expanded his thighs since they sought a boon from Maha Vishnu that they could be killed at any dry place.After killing the demons, the ‘medhas’ or

nu maya the marrow (fat) filled in the entire water and hence the name of ‘Medini’ to Prithvi or Vasundhara. After the Srishti as above, Shri Krishna was delighted to spend time at the Raasamandali in the Goloka in the company of Gopas and Gopis and from his left side created a matchless ‘Kanya’ named Devi Radha. She had a unique and highly attractive countenance with outstanding nose, perfect set of white teeth, mirror-like cheeks; face decorated with chandan, Agaru, Kasturi, Kumkum and Sinduri; an excellent hair style full of jasmine flowers; feet defying the tenderness of lotuses; gait of a swan and tastefully embellished with valuable and fabulously designed golden jewellery and precious stones around her waist, hands, neck and ankles. Thereafter, Shri Krishna created youthful cows, bulls, buffalos and swans from his hair-roots, one of the bulls having been gifted to Parama Shiva and an exquisite ‘Raja hamsa’ to Brahma Deva; white and coloured horses from his left ear of which one unique horse having been presented to Dharma Deva; and from his right ear were generated fierceful lions among whom the best one was given away to Devi Durga with repect. Bhagavan Krishna also materialised five exceptional Chariots whose speed was comparable to that of wind, with the circumference of a hundred yojanas each drawn by thousands of strong horses and was highly decorated; one of such ‘Rathas’ was gifted to Dharma Deva, one was reserved for his personal use and one for Devi Radha and the rest as reserve. In due course, Bhagavan Krishna generated ‘Dhanaadhyaksha’ Kubera -and his wife Manorama- as the King of Guhyas / Yakshas; Bhutas, Pretas, Piscachas, Kushmandas, Brahma Rakshasas, Betals and such other cruel and horrifying species presented to Shiva Deva; along with four-armed and two armed soldiers. Then were produced Krishna Parayana Vaishnavas; Bhairavas like Ruru Bhairava, Samhara Bhairava, Kala Bhauirava, Asita Bhairava, Krogha Bhairava, Bhishana Bhairava, Maha Bhairava and Khatvaanga Bhairava; Bhayankar Three-Eyed ‘Digambara Ganas’ all to assist Shiva with Trishulas and Parighas; Ishana and countless prototypes being one of the Dikapalakas; and from his nose Chhidra Daakinis, Yoginis and Kshetrapaalas. Further on Krishna fashioned three crores of Divya Devatas from his rear portion. Pursuant to the above Creations, Krishna Deva handed over Lakshmi as the better-half of Narayana; Savitri to Brahma; Murti to Dharma Deva; Rati Devi to Kama Deva, Manorama to Kubera and so on. He had specially invited Maha Deva and Simhavahini and sought him to accept her. Parama Shiva requested Shri Krishna as follows: I may not be greatly interested in a life-partner.But, my ambition is to worship you always from all of my five faces by ‘Smarana’ (Memories about you), ‘Kirtana’ (singing your hymns), ‘Shravana’ (hearing about you), ‘Japa’ (repeating your Sacred Names incessantly), and Dhyana (concentrate about you), ‘Charana Seva’ (Service to your feet), my ‘Vandana’ (salutations), ‘Atma saparpana’ (my total dedication to you) and eating my ‘naivedya’(offerings); Krishna! Please grant me the above requests only. Also bestow to me the following six boons: ‘Saarshti’ (as much of affluence of you have), ‘Saalokya’ (as much of ‘loka prapti’/ worldly possessions as you have), ‘Saameepya’ (the fortune of being near to you), ‘Saamya’ (attainment of equality with you) and ‘Saayujya’ (absorption into you). Do grant me the Eighteen Siddhis viz. Anima (reducing the size upto an atom), Mahima (increasing the size upto infinity); Laghima ( reducing the weight to almost nothing), Garima (increasing the weight upto infinity), Praapti ( attaining unrestricted access to any place), Praakaamya (achieving any thing desired), Ishitwa ( possessing supremacy over anything / anybody), Vashitwa ( controlling

nu maya any thing / anybody) Sarva kaama -vasaasita (fulfilling all desires), Sarvajnata (ability to know anything), Doora shravana ( capacity of hearing from distances), Parakaya pravesha (ability to enter any body), Vaakshuddhi (ability to realise whatever is stated), Kalpavrikshatva (fulfillment of bestowing any desire), Srishti Shakti (Capacity to create), Samhaara Shakti (capability to destroy), Amaratwa ( death -lessness), and Sarvaagranyata (Achievement of the highest possible status). Shiva further requested Shri Krishna to grant him Yoga, Tapas, all kinds of Daana, Vratas, Yashas / celibrity, Kirti (reputation), Upavasas (fastings), Vaani (distinct voice / speech), Satya (Truth -fulness), Tirtha Bhramana (The fruits of visiting all Tirthas), Snaana (the fruit of bathing in all Oceans, Rivers, Sarovars and all waterbodies; worship to all Deities, darshan of all Deva Pratimas; attaining of Brahmapada, Rudrapada and Vishnupada (or the Status of all the Tri Murtis) and all other definable or undefinable statuses. When the long wish-list was requested for, Shri Krishna smiled and said: Twatparey naasti mey preyaamstwa madeeyaathanah parah, ye twaam nindanti paapishthaa jnaana heenaa vicheytanaah, Pachyantey kaala sutreyna yaavachhaandra diwaakaroy/ (Shiva! There is nothing more beloved to me than anybody else; you are in fact far superior to my own soul; if any sinner, or ignoramus or imprudent person happens to criticise he/she would get roasted in ‘Kalasutra naraka’ till Chandra and Surya happen to be in power). Krishna further said that Shiva would undoudtedly be an entirely independent and equal force to be reckoned with just as his. As regards the offer of a wife that he made, Krishna renewed his request to accept Devi Durga Simhavaahini and Parama Shiva accepted her. Shri Krishna then revealed the excellent value of ‘Shiva Linga Sthapana’or establishing a Shiva Linga; he said: Maha Deva Maha Deva Maha Deveti vaadinah, Paschaadyaami Mahaastrasto naama shravana lobhatah, Shiveti mantramucchharya praanamstyajati yo narah/ Koti janmaarjitaat Paapaanmukto muktim prayaati sah, Shivam kalyaana vachanam kalyaanam kalyaanam Muktivaachikam/ Yaatsattha Prabhavettena sa Shivah parikeertitah/ (If some body recites Maha Deva, Maha Deva and Maha Deva, I am tempted to be behind him and follow him; if somebody takes Shiva’s name at the time of his death, that person would be freed from the sins committed by his/her previous crores of lives and most certainly secure ‘Moksha’. The word ‘Shiva’ stands for ‘Kalyana’ or Propitiousness and the word Kalyana denotes ‘Mukti’. Also the letter ‘Shi’ stood for ‘Paapa naashana’ and ‘Va’for Moksha. Eventually, Krishna taught Kalpavriksha Mantra and Mrityunjaya Tatwa Gyana to Shiva and the ‘Ekaadashara’ Mantra viz. Kaama bija Kleem-Shri bija Shreem-Maya bija Hreem- and Kaama bija again Kleem to Devi Durga. Krishna also taught Shrishti Shakti, Manovaanccha Shakti, and Agni-Vayu-Kubera Shaktis to Brahma. Brahma’s Secondary creation, his own progeny and that of their offspring

nu maya Talaatala, Mahatala, Pataala and Rasaatala. Thus the Sapta Dwipas, Sapta Swargas and Sapta Pataalas together constitute the Brahmanda. While Vaikuntha, Shivaloka and Goloka are stated to be constant, the rest is ‘Kritrima’/ ‘Anitya’ (temporary). Meanwhile, Devi Savitri generated the immortal Vedas of Ruk-Yajur-Sama and Atharava as also ‘Nyaya’ (Justice) and ‘Vyakarana’ (Grammar), the various Shastras and the Thirty Divine ‘Raagaas’ (Musical compositions) including Kanakambari, Bhanumati, Manoranjani, Sindhu Bhairavi, Mayamalawa Goula, Malahari, Chakravaram, Haatakambati, Hindolam, Keeravaani, Karahaproya, Kapi, Madhyamavati, Shivaranjani, Kamboji, Mohanam, Bilahari, Hamsadhwaini, Suddha Saveri, Naga Bharanam, Keeravani, Bhava Priya, Mohana Kalyani, Amrita Varshini, Rasika Priya Kusumakaram etc. Savitri also created the Four Yugas of Satya, Treta, Dwapara and Kalaha Priya Kaliyuga; days, nights, weeks, Sandhyas (Evenings), Ushas (early mornings), months, Seasons, Tithis, Dandas, Kshanas; Pushti (health), medha (brain power), victory, six Krittikas, Yoga, Karana, Devasena the Chief of Matrikas. Savitri also produced from her breast-milk three Kalpas viz.Brahma, Padma and Vaaraaha; four Pralayas viz. Nitya, Naimitthika, Dwiparaartha and Prakrita, Kaala, Mrityu Kanya and Vyadhiganas. Later on Brahma continued his Srishti from his ‘Prishta’ (rear side) the tow entities ‘Adharma’ and ‘Alakshmi’; from his ‘nabhi’ (navel) Vishwakarma the Shilpa Guru, from his ‘Balaparaakrama’or prowess the Eight Vaus; Manasa Putras (mind-born sons) Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, Sanatkumaras; Swayambhu Manu and his wife Shatarupa the Administrator of the Universe; Eleven Rudras viz. Mahan, Mahatma, Matimaan, Bhishan, Bhayankar, Ritudwaja, Urthvakesha, Pingalaaksha, Ruchi, Shuchi and Kaalaagni Rudra. From Brahma’s right ear came out Pulastya, left ear Pulaha, right eye Atri, left eye kratu, nosetip Arani, face Angira and Ruchi, from left side Bhrigu, right side Daksha, from Brahma’s shadow came out kardama, Panchashikha from his navel, from chest came out Odhu, from Brahma’s throat came Narada, shoulder Marichi, from neck Apaantaratama, from tongue Vasishtha, from lips Pracheta, from left belly came out Hamsa (Swan) and Yati from the right belly. Brahma Deva then ordered his progeny to take up the task of furthering their own descendants; Sanaka and the three other Kumars were allowed by Brahma to take up ‘Tapasya’ and asked Narada to create, but Narada insisted against family life and there were exchange of curses betweeen Brahma and Narada on this count. However all others performed extensive Srishti. Maharshi Marichi created Kashyapa Prajapati. Atri Maha Muni rubbed his eyes and created Chandra Deva in the Ksheera Sagara. Pracheta Maharshi materialised Goutama from his mind. Mitra Varuna was the son of Pulastya’s mind. Manu and Devi Rupa gave birth to three Pativrataas viz. Akruti, Devahuti and Prasuti. Manu and Shatarupa begot two illustrious sons called Priyavrata and Uttanapaada. Manu’s daughter Akruti married Prajapati Ruchi and Prasuti was married to Daksha Prajapati. Uttanapada’ son was the memorable Dhruva. Devahuti was wedded to Kardama Muni and their son was Kapila Muni. Daksha and Prasuti gave birth to sixty daughters of whom eight were married to Dharma, eleven were wedded to Ekadha Rudras, thirteen were given to Kashyapa, twenty seven were given to Chandra and one to Shiva Mahadeva. Now, Dharma’s wives were Shanti, Pushti, Dhriti, Tushti, Kshama, Shraddha, Mati and Smriti; Shanti’s son was Santosh, Pushti’s son was Mahaan, Dhriti’s son was Dhairya; Tushti’s sons were Harsha and Darpa; Kshama’s son was Sahishnu and Shraddha’s son was Dharmik. Mati had a son Jnaan and Smriti had Jatismara. Dharma’s first wife was Murti and their sons were Nara-Narayana Rishis. Rudra’s sons were Kala,

nu maya Kalavati, Kaashthaa, Kaalika, Kalaha Priya, Kandali, Bhishana, Raastraa, Pramocha, Bhushana and Shuki. Kashyap’s wives were Deva’s mother Aditi, Dyatya’s mother Diti, Sapra’s (serpents) mother Kadru, Pakshi’s (birds) mother Vinata, Surabhi was the mother of cows and buffalos, Saarameya was the mother of dogs, the rest of animals were born to Sarama and Danu was the mother of Danavas. Indra and Twelve Adityas [Amsa, Armayan, Bhaga, Dhriti, Mitra, Pusan, Sakra, Savitur, Twastur, Varuna, Vuishnu, and Vivaswat as per Vishnu Purana] and Upendra (Vamana) and other Devatas were Aditi’s children. Indra and Shachi Devi begot Jayanta. Surya Deva’s wife (Vishwakarma’s daughter) Savarna gave birth to sons Shanaischar and Yamaraja and Kalindi their daughter. Upendra and Prithi gave birth to Mangala Deva. From Diti and Kashyapa were born two greatest Daithyas Hiranyaaksha and Hiranya Kashipu, besides a daughter Simhika or Nirruti who gave birth to Saihikeya (Rahu). Hiranyaaksha had no children since he was terminated by Varaha Deva, but HiranyaKashipu had the memorable son Prahlada whose son Virochana gave birth to the famed Bali Chakravarti. Bali’s son was Banasura the Yogi, Jnaani and Sevaka of Shankara. Kadru’s vamsha had such impressive Sarpa’s lineage of Ananta,vaasuki, Kaliya, Dhananmjaya, Karkotaka, Takshaka, Padma, Iravata, Maha Padma, Shankhu, Shaankh, Samraran, Dhrita raashtra, Durdharsha, Durjaya, Durmukha, Bala, Goksha, Gokaamuka and Virupa. Of Kadru’s daughter was Mansa Devi whose husband was Jaratkaaru born out of Bhagavan Narayana’s ‘Amsa’. Asteek was the son of these whose very name demolishesd the fear of Nagas! Vinata had two sons viz. Aruna and Garuda, both being as mighty as Vishnu and the entire race of birds emerged out of them. Chandra’s wives-the daughters of Daksha-were the twenty seven Stars, of whom Rohini attracted him most and the other Stars complained to Daksha who gave a ‘Shaap’to Chandra to become a leper; Chandra approached Shiva who cured him and kept Chandra on his head. As the daughters approached Daksha to return Chandra from Shankara, the latter declined as Chandra had already adorned his head. As Daksha was about to curse, Mahadeva approached Vishnu to save him from Daksha’s curse; Shiva also pleaded that he was not prepared to leave Chandra as the latter sought Shiva’s refuge; then Vishnu gave a special dispensation that half of Chandra would be returned to Daksha and his daughters and the other half would continue on Shankara’s head. But the halved-Chandra given to Daksha was not cured of the RajaYakshma disease as an impact of Daksha’s original curse and Vishnu made a further dispensation that Chandra would grow day by day in his brightness from Padyami to Purnima and from the ensuing Padyami till Amavasya in the Krishna paksha his brightness would wane down. Such was Srishti by Brahma by himself and that of the further process of Creation of his descendents subsequently. Brahma and Narada curse each other and Brahma’s ineligibility of worship

Brahma allowed Sanaka Kumaras to carry on with their Tapasya and asked Narada to engage in ‘Srishti’by becoming a house-holder. Narada’s reaction was instant and said: would there be a fool who would leave the outstanding ‘Amrit’ like ‘Seva’to Shri Krishna, instead of the poisonous drink of ‘Samsara ’(family life) which is hopeless, illusory and distressful? As Narada dismissed Brahma’s proposal of Samsara with the least respect and consideration, the latter grew furious and visibly angry. He cursed Narada to become a quixotic, glibly and dreamy human being named ‘Upabarhana’ with frivolous nature, as an indulger in ‘Shringar’ (romance) and music, a veena player, talkative, wanderer and as the son of a servant maid; after repeated births he would by the grace of Shri Krishna return to Brahma when he would

nu maya then become a Gyani. Narada was non-plussed by this spate of curses and said: Your anger was least justified and unwarranted; normally, a father would chastise a son taken to wrong ways but in this case, many curses were hurled to a person with passion for the highest attachment and devotion for Shri Krishna! In the series of births that you asked me to go through, do kindly grant me the boon of not leaving dedication to Shri Krishna; do also kindly accord me the advantage of memory of previous births: Jaatismaro Harey bhaktiyuktah shukarayenishu, Janirlabheth sa prasavee Golokam yaati karmanaa/ Govinda charanaambhoja bhakti maadhveeka-meepsitam, Pibataam Vaishnavaadinaam sprashapootaa Vasundharaa/ Teerthaani sparshamicchanti Vaishnavaanaam Pitaamaha, Paapaanaam Paapadatthaanam Kshaalanaayaat -manaamapi/ (Those who do not retain the memories of devotion to Shri Krishna would be worse than taking the birth of a pig; the preservation of such memories would however ensure the concerned persons to attain Goloka. Those who are attuned to enjoying the sweet drinks of Shri Krishna’s sacred feet do indeed turn the entire Prithvi as sacrosanct. As sinners add to the sins of the Tirthas in which they bathe, such sins too get washed out offsetting the mere touch of Vaishnava Mahatmas!) Thus obtaining the blessing of ‘Jatismara’ or the memory of previous births from Brahma to enable him Narada to continue his devotion to Shri Krishna, Narada addressed Brahma Deva as follows: ‘Chaturaanana! You have given me so many curses without justification for the only reason of not obeying you to distance myself from Paramatma and get into the whirlpool of Samsara! I feel justified to give you too a few curses: You will not be worshipped by anybody in the entire Universe by way of Stotra, Kavacha, Mantra and Puja for the next Three Kalpas; nor could be offered ‘Yagna Bhaga’(oblations at Yagnas through Agni Homas); You will also be denied worship by way of ‘Vratas’!) Narada reborn as Gandharva, his Yogic death and further births

Pursuant to Brahma’s curse to Narada, the latter was born as a Gandharva named Upabarhana. The King of Gandharvas had no son and meditated Shiva for many years by Stotra, Kavacha and Dwadashaakshara Mantra taught to him by Sage Vasishta. Shiva appeared before the Gandharva King who desired to have a son who would be a steadfast devotee and ‘sewaka’(servant) of Shri Krishna; Shiva gave him the choice to the Gandharva of securing Indratwa, Amaratwa or even Brahmatma instead of the boon to obtain a son who would be a mere servant of Shri Krishna. The Gandharva said that not only he did not prefer Indratwa, Brahmatwa etc. but wished for the boon of becoming a servant of Shri Krishna and not even Sayujya (absorption) with Shri Krishna! He insisted: Saalokyasaashti Saameepya Sayujyam Shriharerapi, tatra nirvana mokshamcha Na hi vaancchhanti Vaishnavaah/ (TrueVaishnavas do not even aspire for Shri Krishna’s Salokya, Saashti, Saameepya, Saayujya and Nirvana Moksha), but prefer to secure the ‘daasya’/servantship of the Lord, while sleeping, being conscious, and at all the times; thus he requested for such a son who would be a close servant of Srihari; however the boy to be born should be long-lived, well behaved, ever youthful, a Gyani, extremely handsome, Guru Bhakta and Jitendriya or with of the gift of mastery of Physical aspirations. As the King of Gandharvas was blessed with a son of such qualifications, Sage Vasishtha named the child as ‘Upa’ or added and ‘Barhan’or devotion. As he grew up, Upabarhana commenced Tapasya. Another Gandharva King Chitraratha had fifty daughters and Upabarhana married them all and was happy. But, meanwhile he visited Brahma once and Upabarhana got infatuated with Apsara Rambha and noticing this indiscretion, Brahma asked him to end his life in the Yoga way and told that he

nu maya would be reborn as a Shudra and eventually regain his original position by virtue of his devotion as his (Brahma’s) son. Then immediately Upabarhan practised Yoga by breaking the six chakras of Muladhara, Swaadhisthaana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha and Agjna; then commenced breaking the sixteen nadis viz. Ida, Sushmna, Medha, Pingala, Praanahaarini, Sarva gyana prada, Manah Samyamani, Vishuddha, Niruddha, Vayusanchaarini, Gyana jhrumbhana kaarini, Sarva praanahara, and Punarjeevana kaarini and further brought up Jeevaatma into Brahma Randhra and for two ghadis, aligned Atma into Paramatma. As Upabarhan got absorbed into Shri Krishna, the eldest of his fifty wives Devi Malavati , a ‘Maha Pativrata’and the most beloved and highly dedicated person was uncontrollable with anguish, astonishment and anger too at the curse given by Brahma Deva at the flimsiest cause of a momentary and remote desire for an Apsara which did not call for a death sentence and a rebirth as of a Shudra! Malavati as a Maha Pativrata was indeed aware of the happenings and got prepared to curse not only Brahma, but the Trimurtis! She shouted with rightful indignation at Krishna Paramatma and complained to him at the untimely death of her husband; she conveyed her wounded feelings to Vishnu, Brahma, Maha Deva, Dharma and all the Powers that be! Meanwhile all Devas heard a Celestial Voice (Akaashavaani) that indeed the self-esteem of a hurt Pativrata ought to be pacified as soon as possible and as a response to that Voice perhaps, Vishnu as a Brahmana boy appeared before her and sought to moderate her feelings; the Pativrata said that if her husband did not return to life, she as a true Pativrata would immolate herself and the entire ‘Deva Samuha’would be responsible for the unwarranted death of a woman, that too a Pativrata! The Brahmana boy had to perform the delicate task of avoiding a curse to Tri Murtis by a Sadhwi and of vindicating the position of Brahma due to whose curse the Gandharva youth lost his life. The boy enquired of Malavati about the possible reasons for her husband’s death: whether he had any illness; if so he knew how to treat all kinds of diseases by Ayurveda; whether she would like to call any Devata with possible responsbility of Death; if so, he could line up the relevant Devatas before her! Whether her husband died on account of Yoga practice; if so, he knew what Yoga was all about! ‘Believe me Devi: I will definitely do my best to bring your husband back to life’! The confident manner in which the Brahmana boy talked to her gave conviction to her that this boy might perhaps revive her husband! The boy then called up a Meeting of ‘Vedavettas’with the knowledge of Vedas and first invited Mrityu Kanya of black complexion wearing red attire with six hands and looking frightful; then came Kaala Deva who was of black colour with ferocious nature with six feet, six faces, sixteen hands and twenty four eyes; then arrived Yama Dharma Raja. Malavika questioned Yama as to how he took her husband away even when his death was perhaps not due! Yama repied that he had not taken her husband away since his life was not over. Mrityu Kanya and Kaal Deva too gave similar replies and denied their involvement in the death of Upabarhana. Then the Brahmana boy referred to Vaidya Samhita and said that besides the Four Vedas of RukYajur-Sama and Athrarvana, the Panchama Veda viz. Ayur Veda was handed over by Prajapati to Surya Deva who made an independent Samhita and passed it down to his disciples, who in turn made their own Samhitas or interpretations. Such Ayur Veda Vidwaans were sixteen in number: Dhanvantari, Kashi raj, Divodas, two Ashvini Kumars, Nakula, Sahadeva, Yama, Chyavana, Janaka, Budha, Jaabaala, Jaajali, Pila, Karatha and Agastya. Dhanvantari scripted Chikitsa Tatwa Vigyana; Deodas wrote Chikitsa Darpan; Kashi Raja made Chikitsa Kaumudi; Ashvini Kumars presented Chikitsa Saara Tantra; Nakul made Vaidyaa Sarvaswa; Sahadeva made Vyadhi Sindhu Vimardhan; Yama Raja scripted

nu maya ‘Jnaanarnava’ and so on. Severe fever was the root cause of various illnesses; Bhasmas were their ‘Astras’ to control these diseases and Rudra was their Devata. Madagni was their fatherfigure in three forms viz. ‘Vaata’, ‘Pitta’ and ‘Kapha’. Ground coriander seed powder and sugar with water reduces Pitta (bile); also, all kinds of ‘Daals /Pulses, ‘Pancha Gavya material’ or cow milk, ghee, curd, dung and urine; ripe ‘bel’ fruit, ‘taal’ fruit, ginger and moong daal (green gram) juice and sugar-sesame seed churna / mix are the prescribed material for reduction of ‘Pittha’. Kapha increases by taking bath soon after food; drinking water without thirst; smearing til oil all over the body; consumption of Snightha (palm- grove oil) and Amla oil, eating spoilt meal, curd, drinking rain water, Sugar-sherbats, coconut water; eating ripe tarbuja, ‘Kakdi rasa, eating kakdi and bathing in open water-bodies in rains. But eating dried and fried food items, walking a lot, sweating out, eating unripe plantains, ground jeera, red chillis, cloves, fasting, drinking less water, ghee and dried sugar mix, black pepper, dried ginger and honey would kill kapha. ‘Vaata prakopa’ deeds (Vayu based) are walking after meals, running, too much of movement and mating, worrying a lot, quarrelling, fasting, experencing fear etc. tend to increase gas. Remedies against producing gas are eating ripe plantains, lemon juice with sugar, coconut water, freshly fried food items, cold water, til oil, coconut, Khajur, and dried fruits.As Upabarhana was a normal and healthy youth as confirmed by Devi Malavati, the cause of illness or diseases was also ruled out and hence it became clear that the untimely death of Upabarhana was not due to an act of Mrityu Kanya, or Kaala or Yama Raja as per their own confessions. The only possibility was due to Upabarhana’s own making, apparently by the Yoga way on his own volition. Having thus been convinced by the Brahamana boy who disproved the allegations of Devi Malavati that Devatas and Trimurtis were responsible for the death of Upabarhana, she became immediately defensive.The Brahmana boy emphasised that Malavati was indeed a Great Pativrata and gained considerable ‘Punya’on that score; also Upabarhana was a known devotee of Shi Krishna including in his previous births, but seeds of great deeds by her as a Pativrata, besides her husband as as an undisputed record of Bhakti would have to grow into a fruit-yielding tree and that it would take time to assess the totality of the accounts of pluses and minuses on account of ‘Praarabdha’, ‘Sanchita’and the ongoing ‘karmas.’ The Brahmana boy who finally vindicated the Truth appeared in his real position as Vishnu. Brahma approached the dead body of Upabarhana and sprinkled water from his ‘Kamandalu’/vessel; Shiva then bestowed ‘Jnaana Swarupa’ to the Gandharva, Dharma Deva provided Dharma Gyan and the Brahmana / Vishnu revived him fnally. Agni kindled jatharaagni or the digestive fire within; Kama Deva gave back all his desires and aspirations; Vayu gave back his breathing; Surya Deva restored eyesight; Vani Devi gave back the power of speech and Shri Devi accorded glow of his countenance. Brahma asked Malavati to bathe her husband quickly and wear new clothes. The highly blissful Malavati knew no bounds of joy as her dearest husband came back to life.Gandharvaloka was a happening Place in the Universe where the Tri Murtis and all the Devas descended down there. The Gandharva Nagari which was heretofore plunged into darkness and tragedy sprang back to relief and vigour with the revival of the life of Gandharva Prince. There were grand celebrations with music and dance, song and gaiety and thanks-giving and total dedication to Shri Krishna. Shri Krishna ‘Stuti’ and ‘Kavacha’ & Shiva ‘Stuti’ and ‘Kavacha’

nu maya from the Bhaktas like good progeny, knowledge, powers, wealth, good health, fame, or Salvation and indeed he is the instant Provider. He is an Epithet of Radiance with unimaginable shine of crores of Suryas; his Rupa is readily attractive like crores of Kandarpas with the complexion of blue sky with Sharad season’s lotus-like eyes; he has a physique smeared with Sandalwood paste all over and ornamented with jewellery and fresh flower garlands full of intoxicating fragrance; with high shoulders wearing scented and sift silks with a Murali in hands full of youthful vigour in the company of Radhaakanta and countless of Gopikas and Gopabalas; visualised sometimes in the Form of a Bala Gopala who did the miracle of lifting the Govardhana mountain with his litle finger; some times in the most charming Brindavana forests pressing his tender fingers to produce the celestial music of flute leaning on a tree with crossed legs; some other times in yoga nidra while Devi Lakshmi was pressing his tender feet on the Sesha Nag’s bed of coiled softness; yet other times in the Form of Vishnu with four arms adorned with shankha, chakra, gada and Padma while Devas and Sages were singing praiseful hymns and rhythemic utterances of Veda Mantras; while assuming the Swarupaof Parana Shiva at the Shiva dhaama; like a Brahma as the Creator of the ‘Charaachara Jagat’ and as the Veda Swarupa outlining virtues and their practices and recognising the sublimity of the Unique Paramatma; and as the Virat Swarupa with the Universe within him as the make-believe kaleidoscope with endless variations who is at once a reality but a fantasy full of Maya that is visible yet invisble; legible yet illegible; distinct yet amorphous! Devi Malavati finally said that it would never be possible to gauge what Paramatma was all about,even as Tri Murtis failed in defining him/her/it / and this or that or other! Pancha mukha Maha Deva, Chaturmukha Brahma, Gajaanana Ganesha, Shadaanana Kartikeya, Maya herself lost her way in seeking to define Krishna Deva; Lakshmi and Saraswati made determined efforts but in vain; when such was the reality, a grief-striken helpless woman like Malavati could only betray her pettiness to define that Maha Shakti called Paramatma!). In course of time, Devi Malavati gave birth to a boy and as the curse of Brahma was over, Upabarhana died; she left to Pushkara Tirtha and immolated herself in an Agni kunda but was reborn as the daughter of King Srinjay; as she was a great Pativrata she decided to marry Upabarhana again in his next birth. Meanwhile, there was a pious woman, named Kalavati the wife of a Goparaja Dwimali; Kalavati and Muni Kashyapa had a chance union and thus was born a boy of great radiance; he was named Narada as there was a severe drought at that time since ‘Naara’meant water and ‘da’ denoted a provider. Dwimali came to know of the Kalavati-Kashyapa Muni affair and left for Badarikashram and died in a Yogic way. Kalavati was in the protection of a kind Brahmana till Narada was born. As a ‘Jatismara’ with the knowledge of previous births, Narada became an intense devotee of Shri Krishna; Maharshi Sanat Kumara taught the Maha Mantra: Om Shri Namo Bhagavatey Raasa mandaleswaraya Shri Krishnaaya swaahaa/ The boy Narada eventually became a Maha Tapaswi and left the Gopa Sharira. After a few Kalpas, Brahma materialised Narada again from his throat along with Marichi and other Maharshis. Brahma mooted the idea of Narada’s wedding, but Narada refused as he was keen on Tapasya to Shri Krishna. Brahma advised that already Narada’s earlier wife Malavati was engaged in severe Tapsya with a determination of wedding Upabarhana. More over, Brahma said that he taught Vedas and Narada would have to furnish Guru Dakshina to him. In principle, Narada agreed to marry but requseted Brahma to provide the Upadesha of Krishna Kavacha and Shiva Kavachas before the wedding.

nu maya Gallantry equalling none on Earth. The meaning of the Kavacha states: May Shambhu protect my head and Maheswara my face. May Nilakantha shield my teeth and Hara Deva my lips; Chandrachuda my throat and Vrishabha vaahana my shoulders; Nilakantha my chest and Digambara my rear portion; may Vishvesha shield all my limbs from all directions; may Shtaanu Deva defend me always while I sleep or am woken up. Maha Deva told Baanaasura that this Invaluable Kavacha ought not to be taught to every body without discretion and in fact try to keep it confidential. Those who wear this Kavacha yield the fruits of Titha Yatras instantly. Even a dull person would become agile and avtive. In the past, the following Kalpa Vriksha ‘Mantra Raj’handed over to posterity as follows: OM NAMO MAHAA DEVAAYA NAMAH, OM NAMASSIVAAYA! VANDEY SURAANAAM SAARAMCHA SURESHAM NEELALOHITAM, YOGEESWARAM YOGABEEJAM YOGINAAM CHA SUROORGURUM/ JANAANANDAM JNAANARUPAM JNAANABEEJAM SANAATANAM, TAPASAAM PHALADAATAARAM DAATAARAM SARVASAMPADAAM/ TAPORUPAM TAPOBEEJAM TAPODHANADHANAM VARAM, VARAM VARENYAM VARADAMEEDYAM SIDDHAGANAIRVAREYH/ KAARANAM BHUKTI MUKTEENAM NARAKAARNAVA TAARANAM, ASHUTOSHAM PRASANNAASYAM KARUNAAGARA SAAGARAM/ HIMACHANDANA KUNDENDU KUMUDAAMBHOJA SAMNIBHAM, BRAHMAJYOTIH SWARUPAMCHA BHAKTAANUGRAHA VIGRAHAM/ VISHAYAANAM VIBHEDENA VIBHRAANTAM BAHURUPAKAM, JALARUPAM AGNIRUPAMAAKAASHA RUPAMEESWARAM/ VAAYURUPAM CHANDRARUPAM SUTYARUPAM MAHATPRABHUM, AATMANAH SWAPADAM DAANTUM SAMARTHAMAVA LEELAYAA/ BHAKTA JEEVANAMEESHAM CHA BHAKTAANUGRAHAKAATARAM, VEDAA NA SHAKTAA YAM STOTUM KIMAHAM STOUMI TAM PRABHUM/ APARICCHHINNA MEESHAANAMAHO VAANGMANASOH PARAM, VYAAGHRA CHARMAAMBARADHARAM VRISHAMASTHAM DIGAMBARAM/ TRISHULA PATTISHAADHARAM SASMITAM CHANDRASEKHARAM/ ITYUKTWAA STAVARAAJENA NITYAM BAANAH SAMYUTAH, PRAANAMACCHAMKARAM BHAVATYAA DURVAASHAASCHA MUNEESWARAH/ (I salute Bhagavan Shiva, Mahadeva, Suresha and Neela lohita! who is the quintessence of all ‘Tatwaas’; the Chief of all Devatas; the embodiment of Yoga as its germinator and its Master; the personification of ‘Jnaana’as Jnaana Swarupa, Jnaana beeja, and Jnaana Pradaata; the Supreme Being of Tapasya, its root, ramifications and phala / the end result; the Fund of Prosperity, Boons and Benefits to Siddhaganas; the Desire, Sadhana / Facility and Destination of Moksha; the highest Form of Brahma Jyoti; the manifestations of Primary Elements like Prithvi, Water , Radiance, Air, and Sky as also the Sun and the Moon; the highest image of Bhakti and its applications; the Magnificent Form unaffected by Desha, Kaala and Vastu ie. Place, Time and Material; that Parameswara beyond recognition of thought, speech and action; and the Digambara Rupa, the Bull-rider, Trishula Dhaari and Chandra Shekhara. That’s how Baanasura saluted Bhagavan Shiva by reciting the above ‘Stavaraja’or the Hymn of Eulogy and bending his head down the reverential feet of Shankara with humility and dedication. And so did Maha Muni Durwasa too.) Those who recite the above ‘Stotra Raja’even for a month with devotion and sincerity every morning would be cured of long standing diseases, imprisonments, childlessness, poverty, and any kind of difficulty in life by the mere lifting of Bhagavan’s Trishula! Narada’s Darshan of Maha Deva and Nara Narayana

nu maya As Brahma was pleased that finally his ‘Maanasa Putra’ Narada agreed to marry as per his wish, he gave the Upadesha of Krishna Kavacha and Shiva Kavacha as above and recommended that Narada visited Maha Deva and Narayana to sensitise him about the Principles of ‘Ashrama Dharmas’ with special reference of ‘Garhastya’, virtues of life, Bhakti, significance of Devas and Devis, the ways of worship and the ways and means of attaining ‘Mukti’/ realisation of Shri Krishna. Brahma suggested to Narada to first visit Shivaloka situated one lakh yojanas above Dhruva loka for Shiva Darshan. Spread over an area of a lakh yojanas, Shiva loka was such that Vishwakarma the Architect and Builder of Devas could ever have dreamt of where crores of Siddhas and Shiva-Parshadas resided, where lakhs of Bhairavas stayed, where lakhs of Kshetras and palaces existed, and where there was no fear, death, disease, old age, and any kind of difficulty. Narada witnessed a breath-taking platform lit up with Five Moons in the midst of which Bhagavan was visioned with a Profile of dazzing illumination of pure white complexion and Five faces with ‘Jataajut’ adorned by half moons, Ganga on the head, blue throat, with moving and hissing snakes around his neck and shoulders, sporting a Trishula, a Damaru, and a ‘Rudrakshamaala’ rotated by his soft fingers with the name of Shri Krishna on the tips of his red lips with a highly pleasant visage and a capturing smile. He was surrounded by Yogendras, Siddhendras and Munindras. As Narada came near Mahadeva, he recited the Shiva Stuti and Kavacha and prostrated before him. Maha Deva knew the purpose of Narada’s visit to seek replies on several questions such as Brahmana’s ‘Ahnika Aachaara’ / Nitya Karmas (daily deeds) and Paramatma Swarupa Nirnaya. Maha Deva described the daily routine by waking up at the Brahma Muhurta and introspect the ‘Brahma Randhra’or the tiny, pure, and undisturbed mental-lotus without any features or inhibitions and concentrate on the Parabrahma Swarupa as prompted by one’s own Guru (Mentor) and meditate that Guru who was indeed Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara, Adya Prakriti Durga Devi, Chandra-Surya-Agni-Varuna-Vayu and so on. After the morning ablutions, the Brahmana would take his ‘Snaan’while doing ‘Mrittika Lopana’for Shuddhi of one’s own body by reciting the Stanza : Ashwa kraantey Rathakraantey Vishnu kraantey Vasundharey, Mritthi key hara may paapam yanmayaa dushkrutam krutam/ (Bhu Devi! On your sacred physique many horses speed up, several chariots passby and Vishnu rolls off his feet during his playful ‘Avataraas’; let all the sins that are committed over you be absorbed by you Devi!) Then while taking bath, one should recite: Gangecha Yamunaachaiva Godaavari Saraswati, Narmadaa Sindhu Kaaveri jalosmin sannithim kuru/ (Hey Gangey, Yamuney, Godaavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu, Kaveri! You are all requested to be kindly xist in these waters with which I take my bath with devotion!). Then all the other Deities are remembered such as Nandini, Sita, Malini, Mahapathaa, as well as the Rivers which originated from Vishnu Deva’s feet such as Ganga, Padmavati, Bhogavati, Swararekha, Kaushiki, besides Prithivi, Shubhaga, Viswakaya, Shivaamrita, Viswakaaya, Shivaamriti, Vidyadhari, Suprasanna, Lokaprasaadhini, Kshema, Vaishnavi, Shantida, Gomati, Sati, Savitri, Tulasi, Durga, Mahalakshmi, Saraswati, Radhika, Lopamudra, Diti, Rati, Ahalya, Aditi, Sangjna, Swadha, Swaha, Arundhati, Shatarupa and Devahuti. Then ‘tilak’ should be applied on the corners of hands, forehead, neck and chest, otherwise all the other deeds like Snaana, Daana, Tapa, Homa, Deva Yagna and Pitru Yagna are all stated to be useless! After being seated on an ‘Asaana’, a devotee is to worship Shalagrama shila, Mani or Pratima with water and Mantra. The nomal sixteen services offered in the worship are Aasana, Vastra, Arghya, Paadya, Achamaneeya, Pushpa, Chandana, Dhupa, Deepa,

nu maya Naivedya, Gandha, Maalya, Shayya, Jala, Anna and Tambula along with Mula Mantras. Vaishnavaites practise the procedure of first performing Bhuta shuddhi, followed by Anganyasa, Pratyanganyasa, Mantra nyasa and Varanyasa. A Kurma Deva should be set in a pre-made Trikona Mandala and purify the Mandala with the sacred water invited from various rivers; then the above prescribed seervices are dedicated in seriatim. Visarjana, Deva puja with Agni homa and ‘Bali’/ sacrifice to Dikpalakas constitute a parcel of the ‘Ahnika Karma’ or the daily procedure of an ideal Brahmana. The second query of Narada to Maha Deva related to Bhakshya bhojya kartavyas (Food material approved or otherwise). Any kind of food items offered as ‘Naivedya’ to a Deity or ‘Havishya’offered as ‘Agni homa’ are the most appropriate. Conversely, food consumed without offering to Bhagavan is as impure as poison or excreta. Further, Brahmana should observe fast on every Ekadashi day and must not take food. On Krishna Janmaashtami, Shri Rama Navami and Shiva Rathri particularly, non-observance of fast entails double offense. Only exceptions who cannot observe the fast on the prescribed days might be those who are extremely diseased, badly ill and women in advanced stage of confinement or during the periods of menses. Even in respect of such exceptions, fruits and roots and milk/water might be consumed. In any case, those who can certainly not take food have to clear their own respective conscience and scruples. Even as a daily routine, only that food which is offered to Bhagavan and thus becomes ‘Prashad’ must be eaten the best. As regards the food items which are prohibited the following regulations would apply: consumption of milk in a copper vessel, eating food / water that is already part-eaten or drunk by another person, drinking salted milk, or eating brinjal in Kartika month and pumpkin in Chaitra month must be avoided since it would lead to monetary loss; eating small specie of brinjal on dwiteeya day must be avoded; eating ‘Parwal’ (little gourd) vegetable helps opposition forces. Consuming ‘Muli’ (radish) on chaturthi day is prohibited as it might adversely affect availability of ready cash. On Panchami, eating of ‘bel’ items should be avoided. Consuming neem leaves on Shashthi day is taking like poison; on Saptami, consumption of ‘tada’fruit is like inviting illness; eating any product of coconut is eroding one’s thinking capacity; ‘loki’ (bottle gourd) and kalambi vegetable must be avoided on Ashtami and Navami days respectively; on Dashami, Dwadashi and Trayodashi ‘Shimbi’ / ‘Sem’ (cluster beans)), Putika /Poi and Brinjal must be avoided respectively. Eating meat ought to be avoided any time. Usage of oil and ‘Stree Sahavas’ should be avoided on Amavasya, Purnima, Sankranti, Chaturdhashi, and Ashtami as also on Sundays, Vrata days, and Shraddha days.Eating curds in nights, sleeeping during day time and Sunrise-Sun set times and eating food of a woman in menses ought to be avoided. Shaving / haircut in Krittika star time and on Amavasya days should be avoided. Having described ‘Ahnika Aachaara’and ‘Bhakshabhaksha Vidhi’, Maha Deva briefly defined Parabrahma Swarupa to Brahmarshi Narada. Parabrahma is present in all Beings with ‘Pancha Pranaas’ (Vital Aairs) viz. Prana-Apana-Vyana-Udana-Samana illuminated in the Supreme Form of Paramatma. He said that in the form of complete Gyan, he was present and Prakriti was as Shakti or Iswarini. Just as Surya or Chandrama get reflected in the water kept on pots, any Being is the reflection of the Supreme Force and the moment the pot is broken, the reflection disappears too; this is how Jeevatma is the reflection of Paramatma getting dissolved into the latter. At the very end, there is only one Paramatma that remains on the Form of ‘Mandalaakara Jyoti’- a circular globe of extraordinary radiance akin to crores of Suryas and exists like the never-ending Sky ans as an ‘Avinaashi’ (Ever Existent). Yogis

nu maya refer that Unknown as Sarwa Swarupa Paramatma who is Nireeha, Niraakaara and Nirguna. That Supreme is like the Shakti of Thirst in Agni, radiance and heat in Surya, whiteness in milk, colness in water, sound from the Sky and Sugandha from Prithvi. It is that Highest Energy with the interaction of ‘Chhaayaarupini Maya’, like the proverbial ‘Kumhara’ (potter) moulds the ‘Mitti’ /earth and creates myriad forms of ‘Chaarachara’/animate and inanimate beings. It is that Shri Krishna whom Vaishnavites worship as ‘Saakara’ assuming a unique and resplendent Form in a typical circular fund of illumination called ‘Goloka Dhaam’ which neither has an axis nor a support, which is as wide as a lakh crore yojanasunimaginable that is-full of Gopanganas, Gopaas and Gomataas, where there are countless Kalpavrikshaas, Kamadhenus, and invaluable golden buildings studded with diamonds, gems and precious stones among which there was a mammoth and an unmistakably distinct Palace where a teen aged boy of cloud-coloured Physique, with the dazzle of crores of Suryas of brilliance and an equal number of Chandras with amazing coolness is present, with a golden headgear of outstanding shine with a peacock feather, golden hand wrists bangles, ear rings, arms and shoulders all studded with Nine Gems in molten like gold, the most renowned ‘Kaustubh Mani’on his chest, the ever enchanting flute in his hands, an alluring smile on his red lips hiding pearl like teeth comparable to thousands of Manmathas. On his lap is Devi Radha who is surrounded by Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara, Dharma and Ananta; Sanaka brothers and illustrious Maharshis, and Gopa-Gopis. This Adi- Purusha Paramatma Shri Krishna literally denotes: Krish meaning Totality and Na denotes ‘Atma’ or Soul. As Bhagavan Shiva delineated Shri Krishna thus, Narada repeated the Stotra by which Gandharva Raja Upaharna extolled Shi Krishna as also Bhagavan Shiva and took leave of the latter to approach Nara Narayana and proceeded to ‘Narayanaashrama’at Badari Tirtha. Maharshi Narayana defines Pancha Prakritis, their Kalaas and manifestations

Narayana Maharshi described Shri Krishna as that Supreme Power whom Ganesha, Vishnu, Shiva, Rudra, Sesha Deva, Brahma and other Devas, Manus, Muniganas, Saraswati, Parvati, Ganga Devi, Lakshmi and all other Devis worship his feet always. Maharshi Narayana portrayed Shri Krishna who lifted Govardhana Giri by his little finger and saved Vraja bhumi from the wrath of Indra Deva; who lifted the whole Prithvi as she was sinking into the deep worlds under the huge pull of waters and saved her by his mere tusks; who was the naughty honey- bee seeking to tease the sweetness of the faces of ‘Gopanganas’; who by his mere fall of an eye-lash the Creator of the Universe Brahma would become a casuality; and who as a tortoise that bore the weight of Sesha Nag at the time of ‘Samudra Mathana’ like an elephant to a mosquito. Maharsh Narayana further depicted Devi Radha as the Prakriti, the secondary Prakriti is Lakshmi, the tertiary Prakriti is Saraswati, the fourth is Veda Mata Savitri, and the fifth Prakriti is Durga whose son is the unforgettable Ganesha. In the Second Chapter of Brahma Vivarta Purana titled Prakriti Khanda, Narayana stated that Pancha Prakriti Devis viz. Ganesha’s mother Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Savitri, and Radha organised the process of ‘Sristhi’. Then Narada enquired of Bhagavan Narayana as to what were the origins and the Swarupas of these Prakritis, their characteristics and as why were they called by Five Pritis? Maharshi Narayana replied that the word ‘Pra’ denotes ‘Prakrushta’or expert and ‘Kruti’ denotes ‘Srishti’, thus the total word is Prakriti. In the ‘Trigunatmaka’ Form, Satva Guna is significant in the context of Srishti (Creation); the word ‘Pra’ stands for ‘Pradhana’ and ‘Kriti’ denotes Srishti; in other words, that Devi who is

nu maya primarily responsible for Creation is called Prakriti. Maharshi Narayana illustrated Purusha and Prakriti are two Forms, the right and the left respectively and thus Prakriti also is Nitya / Eternal as much as of Purusha. That is the Mula Prakriti Parameswari. On the insruction of Paramatma, five Rupas were authorised to perform Srishti. Bhagavati Durga is Shiva Swarupa, also called Narayani, Vishnumaya and Purna Brahma Swarupini, whose natural characteristics are to besow Yasha (Fame), Mangala (Propitiousness), Dharma (Virtue), Shri (Wealth), Sukha (pleasure), Moksha (Salvation) and Harsha (happiness). Sidheswari, Siddhirupa, Siddhida, Siddhidaata, Eswari, Buddhi, Nidra, Kshudha, Pipaasaa, Chhaya, Tandra, Daya, Smriti, Jaati, Kshaanti, Bhraanti, Shaanti, Kaanti, Chetana, Tushti, Pushti, Lakshmi, Vruti, and Mataa are all the names of Durga. Bhagavati Lakshmi is the Shuddha Satva Swarupa who is Shrihari’s Shakti, the Embodiment of Prosperity, Charm, Restraint, and Superior Nature and by nature is the anti-thesis of Lobha, Moha, Kaama, Krodha, Mada and Ahamkara. Noted as ‘Maha Lakshmi’, she is ‘Swarga Lakshmi’, ‘Rajya Lakshmi’, ‘Griha Lakshmi’, ‘Dravya Lakshmi’, ‘Kirti Lakshmi’, ‘Vanijya Lakshmi’ and ‘Ashta Lakshmi’. Bhagavati Saraswati is the Adhishtaana Devi of ‘Buddhi’, ‘Vaani’, ‘Vidya’, ‘Kavitha’, ‘Medha’, Samsmarana Shakti, Kalpana Shakti, Bodha Swarupa, Nissandeha, Vichaara kaarini, Grandha kaarini, Sangeeta Sandhi, Taala Kaarini, VishayaGyana-Vaani Rupa, Vyakhya-Upadesha-Vaani- Pustaka-Tapomayi and Siddhi Vidyaa Swarupa. Bhagavati Savitri / Gayatri is the ‘Veda Maata’ or the Mother of Four Vedas, the ‘Utpanna Shakti’ or the Creator of Chhanada/ Vyakarana and other Vedangas, the ‘Sandhya Vandana’ and also the mother of Tantras.She is also the Dwija Rupa, Jagadrupa, Tapaswini, and Parama Shuddha Rupa. Tirthas look forward to secure her touch for attaining their ‘Shuddhi’ or purity and ‘Pavitrata’ or sanctity. Her Swarupa is of Shuddha Sphatika Mani and is the personification of ‘Satwa Guna’. Her natural trait is to bestow Moksha. The Fifth Prakriti Bhagavati Radha Devi is the ‘Adhishthaana Devata’of ‘Prema and ‘Praana’ or Love and Life. She is the most exalted of all the Devis. She is noted for her ‘Sundarata’ (Beauty and Charm), ‘Sadgunata’ (Good characteristics), and ‘Sowbhagyata’ (auspiciousness). She is called by several names like Paraavara, Saarabhuta, Paramaadya, Sanaatani, Paramaananda Rupa, Dhanya, Maanya and Pujya. She is Nityanikunjeswari and the Raasakreedaa’s Adhishtaatri, originated from ‘Rasamandali’. As the most significant and popular Devi of Goloka, she is well-known as Raaseswari and Surasika, Ahlaada-swarupini, Nirguna (devoid of the Three ‘Gunaas’), Nirlipta (devoid of worldly joys and attractions), Naraakaara (She has no physical Existence made of Pancha Bhutas) and Atma Swarupini of Shri Krishnaatma. Only Vidwan Purushas through Veda Vidhana could perceive her undisclosed Existence or Reality. Munindras and Surendra would never be able to realise what Radha is all about! She is stated to wear only Neela Vastras (Blue clothing) emerging from Agni Shuddhi or Purity of Fire. She is the daughter of Vrishabhanu Gopa. Prithvi is stated to have been purified with the touch of Radha’s feet! Yet Brahma and other Devas could not vision her! Prakriti Devi has several ‘Amshas’ (Alternative Forms), ‘Kalaas’ (Features), and ‘Kalaamshas’ (Alternative Features). For instance, Devi Ganga who purifies ‘Bhumandala’ has a water Form, originating from Bhagavan Shri Hari’s feet and is like the blistering Agni which turns the wood-like sins into ash. Mere touch, or better still take a bath or much better of consumption of ‘Ganga Jal’ would qualify human and other Beings for securing ‘Kaivalya’/ Salvation. Ascending the ladder to ‘Golokaa’ would be possible by worship to Devi Ganga, which is considered as the most superior of all ‘Tirthas’and Rivers. Ganga flows in the ‘Jatas’ (curled and twisted hair) of Shankara Maha Deva. From there it flows in

nu maya various lines down to Bharata Varsha enabling ‘Tapaswis’/meditators and each and everybody to ennoble and purify their hearts and the Holy waters of the River are pure and clean. Bhagavan Narayana is especially fond of Devi Ganga. Shri Tulasi is another principal ‘Amsha’ of Prakriti Devi with the natural tendency to adorn Vishnu’s feet. Any ‘Sankalpa’ (proposal), ‘Puja’ (worship) or ‘Tapasya’ (meditation) of Bhagavan assumes quicker response and is considered as the best, sacred and most propitious embellishment to Shri Hari. The sins of a worshipper are burnt off like wood by fire and the contact of Tulasi gladdens Narayana. In fact, worship of Govinda is stated to be incomplete without ‘Tulasi dalas’with double leaves. In Bharata Varsha, Devi Tulasi in Vriksha Form is reputed as Kalpa Vriksha or the one granting and fulfilling the desires of devotees. Also, to the residents of Bharata Varsha, Tulasi is a readily available boon and a ‘Traana’or Raksha / protection. Another significant ‘Amsha’ of Prakriti Devi is Jaratkaaru or the mind-born daughter of Kasyapa Muni named Mansa Devi, who has the privilege of being the disciple of Bhagavan Shankara and is a highly learnt ‘Vidushi’of knowledge. Nageshwari is the sister of Nagaraja Sesha and is revered as ‘Naga Maata’ always worshipped by Nagaloka residents and is a Siddha Yogini whom Sri Hari is fond of and is a Vishnu Swarupini. She is the Adhishthaana Devata of all Mantras related to Sapras. Also, Nageswari is the Pativrata of Jaratkaaru Muni who was of the ‘Amsha’ of Shri Krishna. One another of the prime ‘Amshas’ of Prakriti Devi is Devasena, one of the Matrikas, and is also named Bhagavati Shashthi whose principal responsibility is to protect and safeguard ‘Shishus’ (children); She is also a Tapaswini, Vishnu Bhakta and the wife of Kartikeya. In fact, she is the sixth ‘Amsha’of Prakriti Devi and is thus appropriately called Shashthi Devi. All devotees worship for excellent progeny and facile delivery of children; in fact on the sixth day of delivery, the mothers who had just delivered a child perform puja on the day and again on the twenty first day after delivey for the welfare of the newly born, since Devi Shashthi happened to be the twenty first among the Matrikas. Shashthi Devi is a personification of kindness with the duty of protecting children from any difficulty on account of water, earth, sky and household. Mangala Chandi was materialised from the face of Prakriti Devi and is responsible for granting all boons involving propitiousnes propitiousness. s. She assumes assumes benign benign nature nature at the the time of of Srishti Srishti but at the time time of ‘Samhaara’ ‘Samhaara’ or destruction, she assumes anger and annoyance and hence her name as Mangala Chandi. She is worshipped on Mangal days or Tuesdays each week. She bestows male progeny, grand children, prosperity, fame, and all-round contentment. Once pleased by devotion, there is nothing that she would not award, yet once annoyed she would destroy the world in a second! Maha Kaali emerged from Devi Prakriti’s eyes and at the time when two Raakshasas called Shumbha and Nishumbha were on the rampage damaging Virtue and the Virtuous, Devi Durga created Kaali from the former’s forehead, being half of Durga’s Shakti and courage. Devi Kaali’s radiance is comparable to crores of Suryas. Basically, she is a Yogeshwari and is an apex devotee of Bhagavan Shri Krishna; she has the might and courage of Shri Krishna and also has the complexion of Krishna too. If provoked, she could breathe out the entire ‘Brahmanda’ or the Universe. But, a kind Kaali Devi is more likely to grant boons of Dharma, Dharma, Artha, Kaama Kaama and Moksha Moksha to to the virtuous virtuous and the the Upright. Upright. She is is the target of ‘Upasana’ to Brahma downward to all the Devatas as also Munis and Yogis. Bhagavati Vasumdhara is of a prime ‘Amsha’of Prakriti Devi on whose benevolence the whole World stands on, with the well deserved descriptions like ‘Sarva Sasya Prasutika’ (the Creator of all Agricultural Activities), ‘Ratnaakara’, ‘Ratna garbha’, ‘Sarva Jeevana Pradaayani’, ‘Sarva Sampatti kaarini’, and ‘Sarvaadhaara’. Devi Swaha is the wife of Agni

nu maya Deva without whose generosity no ‘havi’ could be dedicated to any Devata; Dakshina Devi is the wife of Yagna Deva without whose kindness all kinds of Karma Kandas become futile. Swadha Devi is the wife of Pitaras and the worship by Munis, Manus or Manavas becomes a waste if her name is not uttered while making any offerings. Devi Swasti is the wife of Vayu Deva and without her consent any exchange of blessings, give-and-takes etc. turn out to be a waste without her name being specially mentioned; in fact the whole World would eagerly await her utterances as many as possible. Devi Pushti is the wife of Bhagavan Ganesha and each and every human being has to invoke her since without her support and mercy, the whole humanity-be it a male or female-would become weak, feeble and pathetic. Devi Tushti is the wife of Ananta Deva without whose blessings, there would be no sense of ‘Samtushti’ or contentment and welfare. Devi Sampatti is the wife of Ishana Deva, and without grace, the whole World would have been a Place of Poverty and Misery. Kapila Maha Muni’s wife Devi Dhriti is welcomed by all the Lokas, since all the Beings in Bhagavan’s Srishti would have been bereft of Courage and intrepidity. Dharma Raja Yama’s wife Devi Kshama is an embodiment of clemency and forgiveness, lest the world would have been a hell to live in without mercy and the ‘milk of human kindness’; indeed, ‘to err is indeed human, but to forgive is divine’! Devi Rati is the ‘Adhishtaatri’ or the Presiding Deity of Love and Play and the wife of the illustrious Kama Deva and is welcomed by one and all for the reason that life would have been dry and without much reason to live, human beings would would be considere considered d as dry and and dead! Devi Mukti is the wife of Satya who is the beall and end-all of sensible human beings for their goal is Salvation or relief from the unending cycle of deaths and births. Saadhvi Devi Daya is the better half of Moha or extreme obsession, the anti-thesis of leniency and dis-possession. The ‘Sahadharmini’ of Punya is Devi Pratishtha without whom one’s very existence in life is a waste and purposeless purposeless.. Sukarma’s Sukarma’s wife is Kirti Devi noted for recognition and if a human being has no place in Society Society then again again an aimless aimless and sub-standard sub-standard survival survival is is dissipated. dissipated. Devi Kriya is the wife of Udyog or Industry; indeed, nobody in life could afford to be completely inactive without performing any deeds! Adharma’s wife is Midhya whose physique was almost nonexistent in Satya Yuga, somewhat recognisable in Treta Yuga, lean and thin in Dwapara Yuga but well built and solid in Kali Yuga; her trait is ‘Pragalbhata’or boasting and her brother is ‘Kapata’ ‘Kapata’ or falsit falsity y who keeps keeps on moving moving from from house to house; house; this Devi Devi is an antonym of Devi Dharma. The wives of Susheela are Devis Shanti and Lajja and these two traits of Virtue are the ingredients of disciplined life; a human being devoid or short of these qualities is sub-human, shameless and disruptive in attitude. The famed wives of ‘Jnaana’ (embodiments of knowledge) are Devis Buddhi, Medha and Smriti , without whom existence tends to be a meaningless exercise. The above ‘Amshaas’of Prakriti Devi are indeed notable; but there are innumerable manifestations like Dharma’s wife Murti; Kaalagni or Yoga Nidra is Rudra’s wife; Kaal’s wives are ‘Sandhya’, ‘Raatri’ and ‘Din’(Early morning, Night and Day respectively); ‘Ksuhdha’ and ‘Pipaasa’ are the wives of ‘Lobha’; Prabha and Dahika are the wives of Teja; ara and Mrithu are the wives of Jwara; Vairaaga’s wives are Shraddha and Bhakti; Rohini is Chandra’s wife; Sangjna is the wife of Surya; Shatarupa is the wife of Manu; Shachi is the wife of Indra; Tara is the wife of Brihaspati; simiarly Ahalya and Vasishtha; Ahalya and Gautami; Anasuya and Atri; Devahuti and Kardama; Prasuti and Daksha; Pitara’s ‘manasi kanya’or mind born daughter Menaka was the mother of Parvati. Lopamudra, Aahuti, Vindyavati who was the wife of Bali, the wives of Kubera, Varuna, Yama, Kunti,

nu maya Kavacha is an attempt to realise the meaning of ‘Tatwa parigyana’ or the knowledge of Tatwas and a synthesis of Kavitas (Poetry) and their absorptive capacity. Shraddha is given as my sacrifice to Shreem-Hreem- Swarupini Saraswati and I request that she must please guard my head from all the directions. I offer my Shraddha to Om Shreem ‘Vaag Devata’ and I implore her to secure my forehead; I offer my devotion to Om Hreem Bhagavati Saraswati and I beseech her to keep my ears intact; my surrender to Om Shreem Hreem Bhagavati Bharati and my sincere request to her is to protect my eyes; my prostration to Aim-Hreem Swarupini Vagdevi with the supplication to shield my nose; my submission to Om Shreem Hreem Vidya Adhishthaatri and appeal to her to safe-guard my ‘danta-pankti’ or row of teeth; ‘Aim’ is the letter with which I offer my reverences to Devi Sarasvati and I seek her kindness to keep my throat in tact; with humility I approach Om Shreem Hreem Vidya Swarupi to save my navel; may Om Hreem Kleem Swarupi Devi Vaani strengthen my hands with power as I bow my head to her with respects; I approach Om Swarupini Bhagavati ‘Sarva Varnaatmika’ my unreserved humbleness with the folded hands to secure my feet; Let my very existence which is owed to Omkaara Devi be fortified by my earnest prayer to provide me all-round safety. Mother Saraswati Veda Swarupa! do provide my safety from the Eastern side; I offer my Shraddha to Om Hreem Swarupini to kindly protect me from the ‘Agneya’ side; You are the Mantra Swarupa of Om Aim Hreem Kleem Saraswatyai Budha Jananyai Swaaha; please safeguard me from the Southern direction. May the Tryakshara Mantra of Aim Hreem Shreem keep me safe from the Nirruti Kona’. As the tip of my tongue is dedicated to Om Swarupini, kindly protect my western disha. May Bhagavati Sarvaambika keep safe of my ‘Vaayavya kona’; may Gadya-Padya Nivaasini in the Form of ‘Om Aim’ keep safe my northern direction; the Sampurna Shastra ‘Aim Swarupini’ who is worshipped by one and all is an emblem of Mercy and should strengthen my ‘Ishana’ direction; from above the top of my being, may ‘Om Shreem Swarupi’ help me to protect always; the mother of Vidya who resides in Sacred books is revered by sincere prostration and may her secure me down under; and finally, my obeisances to you Om Swarupini and Grandha beeja rupa! Preserve me safe from all directions). Recitation of this Kavacha yields memory power, mental sharpness and immense knowledge. Its recitation by five lakh times would definitely yield ‘Parama Siddhis’ to excel Deva Guru Brihaspati! Yagnavalkya’s Stuti to Saraswati and restoration of his lost memory of Vedas

The illustrious Yagnavalkya was the disciple of Sage Vaishampayana who taught Yajur Veda and as there were arguments between them about certain interpretations of the Veda, the Guru got furious and demanded that what all was taught should be vomitted in the form of digested food. As the vomit came out, some of the co-pupils of Yagnavalkya took the forms of ‘Tittiris’ (partridges) and picked up the ‘Ucchishtha’ and the remains turned out to be the Taittireya Samhita and the Yajur Veda came to be known as Krishna Yajurveda. The disillusioned pupil Yagnavalkya decided not to take up a human Guru and prayed to Surya Deva to accept him as his Guru. Pleased by Yagnavalkya’s penance, Surya descended in the form of a horse and disclosed a new form of Veda immortalised as Shukla Yajurveda or Vayajasaneya (‘Vaji’ being a horse) from his manes, as distinguished from Krishna Yajur Veda, not known to Vaishampayana too; the Shukla Yajur has the rhythm of a horse gallop! Surya directed Yagnavalkya to worship Saraswati to improve memory and the ‘Stuti’was as follows:

nu maya Pratishtha (Distinction), Kavitwa Shakti (Power of Poetry), capacity to convince pupils and capability to produce excellent writings of Grandhas. Side by side, provide me competent ‘sishyas’. Mother! Kindly bestow on me the ability to shine in the congregations of learned personalities with my thoughts and expression. Unfortunately, the fund of my knowledge evaporated and I request you to revive and reinforce it in a new and exceptional form. Let my Gyan be refurbished just as a seed hidden in a heap of ash is germinated fast and strong. My sincere obeisances to you Brahma Swarupa, Parama Devi, Jyoti Rupa, Sanatani and the Adhishthaari of all Vidyaas. Vaani! This world is as futile and lifeless as a dumb and mad entity without your benign blessings. Without you as the ‘Akshara Rupa’ or the Personification of ‘Aksharas’ or the Alphabets that build up the Great Palace of Literature and Expressions, who is worshipped with Chandana, Hima, Kunda, Chandrama, Kumuda and white lotus, this life is dissipated existence. You are the ‘Adhishthaana Devata’ or the Reigning Deity of ‘Visarga’, ‘Bindu’ and ‘Maatra’ indicative of a half-word, a nil-word and a measure of a word which constitute the rudiments of a Great Piece of Writing or Speech! You are the basis of ‘Sankhya’ and ‘Ganita’ or the numbers and measuring units without which there could be no counting or accounting and the quantification and evaluation. Devi! You are the embodiment of Smriti Shakti (Power of Memory), Jnaana Shakti (Power of Knowledge), Buddhi Shakti (Power of Mind) and ‘Kalpana Shakti’ (Power of Imagination or Thoughts). You are the Ruler of Tongue, Mind, Thought, Speech and any thing to do with brains. When Sanaka Kumaras desired to establish ‘Bhrama’ (Improbables) and ‘Siddhantas’ (Theories and hypotheses), Brahma himself faltered and approached Shri Krishna when the latter asked Prajapati to implore and with your active involvement ‘Siddhantas’ came into existence! When once Prithvi asked Ananta Deva to reveal the secret of Jnaana, Sesha Deva failed to define the Siddhanta and prompted Sage Kashyapa to commend Saraswati and that was how in response to the Sage the wrong principles about Jnaana were demolished and the Siddhantaas were enunciated. When Veda Vyaasa asked Maharshi Valmiki about ‘Purana Sutras’, the latter cut a sorry figure and urged Vaani to establish the Sutras for a year at Pushkara Kshetra and by her grace Valmiki explained the same in poetic form and thus Vyasa became a Poet of unparalelled excellence not only to script Puranas but also divisioned Vedas! When Indra asked Brihaspati about the Principles of ‘Shabda Shastra’, the latter meditated for long time and was finally blessed by Devi Saraswati and in turn produced several experts in the Discipline of Shabda, besides Indra. Many Manus, Munis and Manavas were able to worship and secure proficiency in several skills. Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Devatas and Danavas were of no exception to extol your Virtues. Mata Saraswati! When thousand faced Sesha Deva, the Pancha mukha Shankara, the Trimukha Brahma were all engaged in deep meditations to Devi, of which siginificance would be a human being in doing so? Thus Muni Yagnavalkya was exhausted in pleading Devi Saraswati when his shoulders were dropped and eyes were profusely streaming with water. Then a huge fund of Illumination appeared and Devi Saraswati blessed the Muni that he would be a highly renowned Poet whose fame and name would be immortalised. Those who read or recite the above Saraswati Stutis with sincerity would reap the powers of Jnaana, Smriti and Buddhi. Even if a ‘murkha’ (stupid) or a ‘durbuddhi’ (evil-minded) reads or recites the Stotra for a year, the person concerned would certainly acquire qualities of an intelligent and erudite scholar and Poet of standing. Mutual curses of Lakshmi, Saraswati and Ganga land them in Bharata Varsha

nu maya Originally Lakshmi, Saraswati and Ganga were the wives of Shri Hari in Vaikuntha. Saraswati felt that Shri Hari was getting fonder of Ganga and complained to Lakshmi but Lakshmi was neutral. Saraswati was irritated and cursed Lakshmi to become a tree as she was insenstive. Ganga felt bad that Saraswati was unnecessarily interfering and cursed Saraswati; this led Saraswati to curse Ganga. Reacting to these curses, Shri Hari gave dispensations as follows: Lakshmi would be born as a tree in the house of King Dharmadhwaja and become the wife of Asura Shankhachuda, a Vishnu devotee and later on turn out to be Shri Hari’s dear wife and live for ever as Tulasi and also as a River named Padmavati in BharataVarsha; Devi Ganga due to Saraswati’s curse would become a Holy River to demolish the sins of those who take baths on her waters and eventually flow down in Bharata Varsha due to the persistent efforts of Bhagirath and be called as Bhagirathi and be the wife of Samudra who was also of Shri Hari’s ‘Amsha’ and at the same time be at the ‘Shiva Sthaan’; and Saraswati as a result of Ganga’s curse would become the wife of Brahma; and finally Lakshmi who was of Satwa Tatwa without any anger or jealousy and would be Shri Hari’s own wife eventually.As Shri Hari gave the dispensations as follows, all the three Devis viz. Lakshmi, Saraswati and Ganga embraced each other and felt ashamed of their indiscretions which resulted in the repercussions and prayed to Bhagavan Shrihari as to when the arrangements would terminate and the latter pacified the Devis that he would not only ratify the curses that they made to each other but also retain their positions in Vaikuntha with equal attentions and affections to all the three Devis. Saraswati would keep half ‘Amsha’ in Bharata Varsha and half with Brahma and the total Amsha with himself (Shri Hari); similarly in respect of Ganga, half of Vishnu’s Amsha would be Bhagirathi in Bharata Varsha sanctifying the Beings and by slashing their sins there and the rest of Amsha remaining intact with himself as also have the unique privilege of remaining on Shankara’s holy head; as regards Lakshmi, one Amsha would be Tulasi as also as River Padmavati for Kali Yuga’s five thousand years and all the Devis would return to Vaikuntha thereafter.The occurrence of the curses among the Devis and the arrangements that were made about them by Shri Hari had some hidden meaning: even while there were several Tirthas in Bharat Varsha, there was a great need for some outstanding Rivers and Punya Kshetras where not only devotees of Shri Hari, but even hopeless sinners and ‘Nastiks’(athiests) should have possibilities for self-improvement. That was the reason for the emergence of these Sacred and sin-washing Rivers for quick-if not instant- relief to them. Bhagavan Vishnu indicated that there were several persons, who thrived on cheating, making false promises, social parasites, promise breakers, ‘Vishwaas ghaatis’, givers of wrong and misleading evidences, occupiers of others’ properties and belongings; those who discard parents and bloodrelatives; swindle or forcibly bamboozle others etc. The purpose of the Sacred Tirthas like Ganga, Padma and Saraswati was thus to exonerate and correct such misled persons to reform them and lessen the budren on Earth. Origin of Prithvi, worship and consequences of disrespect to her

At Shri Krishna’s twinkle of an eye, Lord Brahma’s age of hundred Brahma years are over and there would be a ‘Prakritik Pralaya’ when Prithvi (Earth) sinks in water and merges into Parabrahma Paramatma Shri Krishna. Maharshi Narayana narrated to Narada that there had been a belief when Daityas Madhu and Kaitabha were killed on the expanded dry place of Narayana’s thighs (since the Daityas agreed to be mutually killed only on a dry place without wetness) and the ‘Meda’ or fat of the demons’ dead bodies got dried up by Sun’s heat and that was how Medini was formed. Another version about the origin of Prithvi which

nu maya Narayana Rishi narrated was what Mahatma Dharma told the Rishi: The ‘roma kupas’or the hair-roots of Maha Purusha’s body emitted dirt which created Prithvi and as many hair roots mixed with the sweat (water) emitted dirt so many times the formation of Prithvi takes place! Each time Prithvi is created, it emerges from the Seven Seas, along with Seven Dwipas, with Himalaya, Meru anf other Mountains; with Surya, Chandra and other Planets; with Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara abiding the Maha Puurusha’s instructions; along with Devas and other Pranis would get materialised too; Punya Tirthas are also created; Seven Heavens and Seven Under Worlds are created too; Brahma loka, Dhruva loka and so on woud also get materialised. Such is the repetitive activity which takes place in each Kalpa.[Brahma’s age is hundred Brahma years of which he has completed fifty years and the first day of his fifty first year is in progress and a day/night of Brahma is two kalpas; thus each Kalpa has a thousand Mahayugas equivalent to 4.32 billion human years] The current Sweta Varaha Kalpa too, Brahma requested Shri Hari to save Prithvi from the onslaught of Demon Haranayaksha who tried to be dump her in Rasatala and Shri Hari assumed the incarnation of Varaha Murti and rescued Prithvi by his ‘dumshtras’( tusks). A grateful Prithvi prayed to Narayana and the latter bestowed the boon to her that hence forth, she would be worshipped by Munis, Manus, Devatas, Siddhhas, Danavas and Manavas as and when there would be activities of construction like Griha Pravseh, Griharambha, irrigation projects etc.and those ‘Murkhas’(Idoits) who would not do so would go to hell! Meanwhile, Devi Prithvi and Varaha Devagave birth to Mangala Deva who became a Planet eventually. Maharshi Narayana then advised Narada about the procedure of Bhumi Puja by first invoking her with the Mula Mantra viz. Om Hreem Shreem Vasudhaayai swaahaa/ Bhagavan Vishnu himself prayed to her as follows: Yagna sukarajaayaa twam Jayam dehi Jayaavahey, Jayey Jayey Jayaadhaarey Jaya sheeley Jaya pradey/ Saraadhaaraey Sarva beejey Sarva Shakti samanvitey, Sarva kaamapradey Devi Sarveshtam dehi mey bhavey/ Sarva shasaalaey sarvashasyaadhaye Sarva shasyaharey Kaaley Sarva shsyaatmakey bhavey/ Mangaley angalaadhaarey Mangalye Mangala pradey, Mangalaarthey Mangaleshey Mangalam dehi mey bhavey/ Bhumey Bhumipa sarwasvye Bhumipaala paraayaney, Bhumipaahankaara rupey Bhumim dehi cha Bhumidey/ (You are Yagna Varaaha’s wife, the provider of Victory and the mainspring of Victory with the basic feature of victory! You are the principal sustainer and supporter of the entire world, the Bija Swarupa and the Emblem of all Powers and the bestower of all desires; kindly grant me each and everything of significance to me. You are the personification of harvests; the provider and also the destroyer of crops! You are also the symbol of auspiciousness, its major hinge and the pride of ‘Bhumipalakaas’ or (Kings) and large farmers. Do grant me unending property, Devi!) Maharshi Narayana apprised Narada that whosoever recited the above ‘Stuti’ to Bhu devi would for several successive births become Kings, renowned Landlords and property owners of great substance. Further, any person who gives ‘Bhu daan’(charity) becomes eligible to reach Vishnudhaam; if a piece of Earth with standing crops is donated, the person concerned stays in Vishnudhaam for a long period of time. Those who donate to Brahmanas sizeable villages and huge chunks of agricultural lands would be residents of Vaikuntha. Even those who encourage the deeds of donation would be the beneficiaries of Punya. Contrarily, those who steal land especially from virtuous Brahmanas, or abet in such shady transactions would be destined to Kaalasutra, Kumbhipaka or Asipatra and Rourava Narakas depending on the intensity of cheating in the transactions, besides sufferings in the on-going lives too, great losses of physical well being, family disasters, loss of property and ignominy in the Society

nu maya finally ending up with fateful and tragic end of life. Having described the pluses and minuses of donations or misuses of Land, Maharshi Narayana had not only described the Procedure of worship by way of Bhumi Puja by performing ‘Shodasopacharas’ or the Sixteen Services with Pushpa, Gandha, Deepa, Dhupa and Naivedyas, he also cautioned not to keep on bare earth certain items viz. Deepas, Shivalingas, Bhagavan/Bhagavati Murtis, Shankha, Yantra, Shalagrama, pushpa, japamala, pushpamala, Karpura, Chandana wood, Rudraksha mala, pustaka and Yagnopaveeta. At the time of Earthquakes or Grahanas (Eclipses), there should never be any breaking of Bhumi which might eventually cause sufferances of the limbs of persons responsible. Bhu Devi is complemented by several epithets such as ‘Kaashyapi’ as she was the daughter of Kashyapa Muni; ‘Sthira’ as she is stable; ‘Vishvambhara’ as she carries the burden of the world; ‘Ananta’ or of Endless nature; ‘Prithvi’ as the provider of desires in the form of a Kamadhenu at the behest of King Pruthu and ‘Bhumi’ as the base for building ‘Bhuvanas’or Residences of Comfort to one and all as per their own luck and deservedness! ‘Ganga’: Bhagirath’s efforts, Puja to her and final restoration as Vishnu’s wife

Of the two wives of King Sagara viz. Vaidarbhi and Shaibya, Asamanjasa was born to Shaibya while Vaidarbhi delivered a ‘Maamsa pinda’ (piece of meat); Vaidarbhi meditated to Bhagavan Shankara sincerely and the latter arrived in the form of a Brahmana and cut the piece of meat into thousand pieces which turned out to be as many sons. As they grew of age, the thousand sons accompanied a horse meant for Rajasuya Yagna of King Sagara and behaved flippantly with Kapila Muni while in Tapasya and the furious Muni burnt off the thousand sons into ash. As the King approached the Muni for clemency, the latter assured that if Sacred Ganga were brought from heavens to the ashes of the sons cursed by him, their souls would attain salvation. Asamanjasa and his son Amshuman resorted to Tapasya to Devi Ganga for long time and died but the son of Amshuman named the legendary Bhagirath was fortunate to vision Shri Krishna who in turn instructed Devi Ganga who in any case was to descend to Bhuloka owing to Sarasvati’s curse and the pursuant dispensation of Bhagavan Vishnu. Shri Krishna blessed Ganga not only to provide Mukti to Sagara’s sons but purify the sins of the troubled human beings through out Kali Yuga who would bathe in Ganga and worship her; even by saying ‘Gangey Gangey’from a distance the devotees would be relieved of their sins and if per chance any Prani died while touching Ganga, that Prani would surely attain Vaikuntha! Narada Muni enquired of Narayana Maharshi about the formal procedure of worship to Ganga desirous of reaping maximum advantages. In fact, King Bhagirath was stated to have followed the following procedure as described by the Maharshi. He performed worship to six Deities before qualifying the puja to Ganga Devi, viz. Shri Ganesha, Bhagavan Surya, Agni Deva, Vishnu, Shiva and Bhagavati Parvati. Subsequently, Bhagiratha prayed to Devi Ganga as follows: ‘You are pure like the white champaka flower ready to demolish the sins of those worshipping you as you have been materialised by the Vigraha of Paramatma Shri Krishna who had given you the status of thousands of ‘Sharatkaala Chandras’as you are the most propitious Narayana Priya, always peaceful and smiling with adornnents of Malati Pushpa garlands, ‘chandana bindus’ on your broad forehead shining prominently with ‘Sinduri bindu’; with pearl like teeth and profusely kind eyes; with such soft feet that put the most delicate white lotus petals to shame; surrounded by Devatas, Siddhas, Muni Ganas and Tapasvis. I greet that Maha Ganga who only knows to bestow boons, purify sinners and

nu maya enhance the levels of devotees to finally reach peaks of Self-Realisation on par to Mukti. After performing Dhyana on the above lines, the devotee would carry out ‘Shodshopa -chaaraas’ of Asana, Paadya, Arghya, Snaana, Anulepana, Dhupa, Deepa, Naivedya, Tambula, Sheetala Jala, Vastra, Aabhushana, Maalaa, Chandana, Aachamana and Shayya. Thus dedicating his total self Bharirath requested Ganga to follow that route which passed through where the ashes of Sagara Putras were rested as a result of Muni Kapila’s curse, thus relieving their souls and receiving the epithet of ‘Bhagirathi’. Maharshi Narayana conveyed an interesting episode to Narada about a Radha Mahotsava which was being celebrated on a Kartika Purnima at a Rasamanadali. Devi Saraswati took up her Veena and created mellifluous tunes in perfect ‘Tala Swaras’ and Brahma was delighted to gift a rare ‘Ratna’ as a gift. Shiva gifted an invaluable ‘Mani’, Krishna gifted Koustubha, Devi Radha prsented a wonderful Navaratna Maala and various Devatas gifted their own gifts too. Meanwhile Bhagavan Shankara rendered a fantastic Poem which was scripted with highly envigorating usage of select words that shook up the moods of the Raasleela congregation. On hearing the extraordinary piece of rendition, the entire audience was spell bound in unbelievable rapture and ecstacy and took time to gain normalcy. But the Rasamandala was in deep distress as Radha and Krishna were not traceable. There was an ‘Akaasha Vani’ or a Celestial Voice which directed Bhagavan Maha Deva to materialise Tantra Shastra and create Mantras and Kavachas that would be appropriate to the Tantras to be thus created. In reply, Shankara made a vow by swearing over ‘Gangaajal’ which was present in Shiva’s ‘kamandalu’(vessel) which indeed was the Sangam of Radha and Krishna who were untraceable so far in the Raasa Sabha that was spell bound hitherto pursuant to Shiva’s rendition! After the effect of curses by Sarasvati to Ganga and Lakshmi to assume their own Rupas on Martya Loka, lasting for Kali Yuga’s five thousand years, the respective Devis reached back to Vaikuntha and including the Rupa of Devi Tulasi got materialised as Four Wives of Shri Hari; these four wives reached their positions, representing also like Four Vedas. Indeed these formations of Sarasvati, Ganga, Tulasi and Lakshmi were of Bhagavan Shri Hari’s ramifications. Paramatma Shri Krishna in Goloka who created the Trinity along with his alter-ego Devi Radha or the Devi Prakriti is the Unique Paramatma Swarupa. Vedavati-Maya Sita- Draupadi and finally as Devi Tulasi

In the lineage of Manu Daksha Savarni were born Brahma Savarni-Dharma Savarni-Rudra Savarni-Deva Savarni and Indra Savarni who were all Parama Bhaktas of Bhagavan Vishnu.The son of Indra Savarni viz. King Vrishabhadhwaja was a great devotee of Parama Shiva and the latter considered the King even more important than his own sons Ganesha and Kumara. Somehow the King never followed the Vaishnava Dharma and even discouraged Vishnu Puja and Lakshmi Puja. An infuriated Surya Deva cursed the King that his Rajya Lakshmi would abandon him. Shiva in turn lifted his Trishul and ran behind Surya Deva and the latter sought refuge from his father Kashyapa Muni and Brahma. The three some of Surya, Kasyapa and Brahma sought protection from Vishnu Deva. Shiva too reached there and told Vishnu that Vrishabhadhwaja was his personal Bhakta and Surya cursed the King. Vishnu replied that by the time Shiva reached Vaikuntha, lot of time elapsed and not only Vrishabhadhwaja lost his Empire and died but also his son Rathadwaja passed away and the latter’s sons Dharmadwaja and Kushadwaja became intense Bhaktas of Vishnu and were performing Tapasya to Lakshmi Devi; Vishnu further said that an ‘Amsha’ of Maha Lakshmi

nu maya would be soon born to Malavati, the blessed wife of Kushadwaja. As soon as the baby was born, she recited Vedas and was thus namedVedavati. In course of time, Vedavati took to severe Tapasya. There was an Akaasha Vani (Celestial Voice) which pronouned that Vedavati in her next birth would be Vishnu’s wife. On hearing this, Vedavati left for Gandhamadana Mountain and intensified herTapasya further. The demon Ravanasura spotted Vedavati in Tapasya and made advances to her; she cursed Ravana at his misbehaviour, declared that she would sacrifice her life by jumping into Agni Kunda and in her next birth would become responsible for his death as Devi Sita, the wife of a human Avatara of Vishnu to be called Shri Rama. Devi Sita was wedded to Shri Rama in the next birth. To keep up the word of his father Dasharatha, Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana moved on to the forests and Agni Deva approached Rama as a Brahmana and conveyed that since the time for Sita’s abduction by Ravana was imminent, he (Agni) should replace Devi Sita with Maya Sita and after the episode of Ravana’s killing was over, he would replace real Sita with the shadow Sita after the ‘Agni Pariksha’ time. Vedavati alias Chhaya Sita proceeded to perform Tapasya at Pushkara Kshetra and in Dwapara Yuga became Draupadi as the daughter of Drupada Raja and further as the wife of Pandavas. Thus Vedavati was blessed as a Trihaayani born in Satya, Treta and Dwapara yogas. The daughter of King Dharmadhwaja and Malati was named Tulasi as both men and women could not weigh the beauty and charm of the Child-Tulanaasmartha- she was named as Tulasi. Being a ‘Jatismara’ with the memory of her previous births, Tulasi performed very strict Tapasya to Brahma Deva who appeared and asked Tulasi to seek a boon. Tulasi recalled that she was in her earlier birth she was a Gopi by the same name as Tulasi, that she was in Goloka as a close companion of Devi Radha and was fond of a boy called Govinda who was too a Gopa boy in the ‘Raasa Samaaja’, that their freindship blossomed into lust, that Devi Radha cursed the lovers to be born into ‘Martyaloka’/ Bhuloka and assured that on performing Tapasya to Brahma Deva the latter would give the boon of marrying Shri Krishna. Brahma smiled and told Tulasi that the same Gopa was already born with the ‘Amsha’of Shri Krishna as a Danava King called Shankhachooda residing in Samudra, who was invincible to even Parama Shiva and that he would be her husband initially and subsequently wed Vishnu Deva as his very dear wife when Tulasi would become a Tree /Shrub when the whole Universe would worship as Vrindaavani. Devi Tulasi was thrilled at what Brahma revealed about the future course of events, but had a lurking fear of Radha Devi as to whether she would make this dream-like future possible as predicted by Brahma. Brahma again smiled and taught the procedure of pleasing Devi Radha by a Shodashopachara Mantra, Radha Stotra, Kavacha and Puja Vidhana.Tulasi was determined to please Radha and performed incessant ‘Raadhopaasana’. In course of time, Tulasi had dreamt of a handsome youth and on the next day a Yogi called Shankhachooda landed at ‘Badarivana’who practised Shri Krishna Mantra and Kavacha, thanks to Jaigeeshva Muni. As Tulasi got his darshan at a common place she was readily got attracted to him and vice versa. They exchanged pleasantries as also serious matters of Vedanta content, especially in the background of both of them being Jatismaras, when Brahma appeared and encouraged their Gandharva Vivaha. Even as Shankhachooda was enjoying his new marital life, he was simultaneously warring with Devatas, as he was essentially a Danava and tortured Devas and forcibly dislodged them from Indraloka. He acquired three crore ‘Dhanurdhaaras’/ ace bowmen, three lakh race horses, five lakh top rate elephants, Trishula dhaaris, countless chariots, and highly trained

nu maya Maharathis and virtually became an unconquerable force in the entire Universe. On top of it he was a staunch Krishna devotee and the latter himself bestowed a talisman which fortified his prowess further. Shri Krishna was no doubt aware that the Danava King was performing all acts of Viciousness, brutality and violence; yet the demon’s staunch devotion to him far outweighed his vices and cruelties to Devas, Maharhis, Sages and Brahmanas. This situation prompted Bhagavan Shiva to advise the Danava King and mediated peace with Devas. He used all his skills and powers of bringing about rapproachment; he said: ‘Raja! You release the kingdom of Devas and make me and every body happy; you enjoy your own Kingdom and desist from fraternal enemities as Daityas, Danavaas and Devatas are all from the Kashyapa Muni and the own sisters of Diti, Danu and Aditi respectively. ‘Brahma hatya’ and ‘Jaati droha’ would be equally despicable etc. He also threatened that besides Indra, Surya, Yama, Varuna, Vayu, Shaneswara, Kubera etc. the illustrious Kumara, Nandi, Bhadra Kaali and he himself too would fight against him and the opponents. But the good advice given by Maha Deva himself fell flat on Shankhachooda’s deaf ears and the great battle of Devas and Daanavas which could have been avoided did take place due to the persistence of one Daitya King Shankhachooda! The King descended to the battle field adorned with the Dhanush and arrows that Bhagavan Vishnu gifted to him once. Skanda intiated the battle by destroying Shankhachooda’s chariot, Kavacha, the charioteer and his headgear and made the Daitya faint. But the latter recovered quickly and took up a Vishnu Shakti and attacked Skanda, by the powerful strike of which Skanda fell down. Devi Kaali took over and assaulted the Daitya who was an expert in Maya Shakti and dodged the Devi. Bhagavan Shiva revived Skanda by his Jnaana Shakti in a moment. Maha Deva then declared a fulfledged war in which Indra was pitted against Vrishaparva, Surya Deva against Viprachittha, Chandra against Dambha, Kaala Deva against Kaleswara, Agni against Gokarna, Kubera versus Kalakeya, Vishwakarma against Mayasura , Mrityu Devata against Bhayankara, Yama Raja against Samhara Danava, Varuna against Kalivinka, Vayu versus Chanchalasura, Budha against Ghritaprishtha and Shanaischara versus Raktaksha, Jayanta versus Ratnasaara, Vasugana versus Varchogana, Nalakubara versus Dhumra, Dharma vs.Dhanurdhara, and Mangala vs. Mandukasha. The Adityaganas, Ekadasha Rudras, Rudraganas headed by Nandeswara, Gandharvas, Yakshas and Kinnaras were all a the battle where the Danava Sena was annihilated mercilessly and there were streams of blood and floating dead bodies of soldiers and animals on the battle front. As there was a climatic moment at the combat, Maha Kali released Brahmastra at the Danava King who retalliated with another Brahmastra with the result was a nought. Then Devi Kaali intiated the Mantra to release ‘Brahmastra’ when a Celesial Voice was heard to say: King Shankhachooda is a ‘Maha Purusha’ (Illustrious Noble Being) and Pashupataastra should not be released against him, since he would not be killed by it. In fact, as long as a ‘Kavacha’(Shield) given by Shri Hari was carried on his body and as along as his wife’s ‘Pativratya’(High devotion to her husband) would last, the Danava would continue to be indestructible as these were the boons to him by Brahma. Bhadrakali then refrained from attacking the King but concentrated on destroying the rest of the Danavas and their Chiefs and so did the other Devas.Meanwhile, Bhagavan Vishnu took the form of an old Brahmana and approached for a boon. When Danava King replied that he could grant him anything, the Brahmana asked for the ‘Krishna Kavacha’; the Danava King who abided by his word parted with the Kavacha. Bhagavan Vishnu then assumed the Form of Shankhachooda and entered Devi Tulasi’s interior room in a delightful mood saying that he won the battle and wished to rest. Devi Tulasi was full of

nu maya joy and in a celebrating mood of relaxation; the Maya Shankhachooda and Devi Tulasi were happy in their union and thus Tulasi’s ‘pativratya’ got affected. As both the hurdles of ‘Krishna Kavacha’ being donated by the Danava King to a Brahmana and the ruin of Tulasi’s Pativratya by Vishnu impersonating as Shankhacooda were removed, it was easy for Mahadeva to terminate the Danava King who returned to Devi Radha’s Rasa-leela party at Goloka as Sudama and Bhagavan Krishna and Devi Radha welcomed him back into their fold. From the bodybone - remains of Shankhachooda emerged several kinds of ‘Shankhaas’(conchshells) which were not only adorned on Shri Krishna’s hands but had since then found a permanent place in every Puja of Govinda. Meanwhile Devi Tulasi suspected the Maya Shankhachooda and as Vishnu revealed himself she was upset that original Danava King was no more, cursed Vishnu to become a ‘Paashaana’(rock piece) since he was unscrupulous and heartless and played the drama and removed her husband from the scene; eversince formal Vishnu Puja had been through the Sacred Form of a Shaaligraama. Vishnu then gave a reverse curse that Tulasi would become a holy River Gandaki as also as a Sacred Tree / shrub worshipped throught the Universe including Bhuloka, Swargaloka and Pataalalokas; Vishnu further said that ‘Abhisheka’with Tulasi leaves to Narayana would provide the same effect as ‘Sampurna Snaanas’ or baths in all hallowed places including Sarva Kshetras; performing several Yagnas; satisfying Shri Hari with thousands of Abhishekas of holy waters along with ‘Tulasi Dalaas’; thousnad ‘godaanas’ to equate a Tulasi patra daan; serving tulasi water at the time of a death; any puja with Tulasi to any Deity as good as lakhs of Ashwanmedha Yagnas or death with a tulasi on hand resulting in access to Vaikuntha. If a person swears with a Tulasi on hand, his pledge is considered to be an unquestioned belief and breaking the vow with a Tulasi would attract Kalasutra and Kubhipaaka Narakas. Bhagavan Shri Hari futher said that in order to make her curse to him true, he would become black ‘Paashaanas’ (Saligramas) on the banks of River Gandaki and several ‘krimi keedas’would bite the imprints of Shri Chakra thus becoming eligible for worship. Those Saligrams which have the colour of Cloud / Shyama Varna would be callled Lakshmi Narayana; those stones which have one door and four chakras are called ‘Vanamaali’; stones of light blue colour are called ‘Lakshmi Janaardana’; those with two doors, four chakras and a cow’s horn are called ‘Raghavendra’; small stones with two chakras of black colour are known as ‘Dadhi Vaamanaas’; very small stones with two chakras and vanamaali are called ‘Shridhara’; round stones with clear chakra and Vanamali sign are ‘Damodaras’; and so on. Narayana Rishi described the Puja to Devi Tulasi with the ‘Dasaakshara’ (Ten worded) Mula Mantra / Beeja Mantra viz. (OM) SHREEM HREEM KLEEM AIM BRINDAAVINYAI SWAAHAA comprising Lakshmi Beeja (Shreem), Maya beeja (Hreem), Kaama bija (Kleem) and Vaani beeja (Aim). After reciting the Mantra, formal Puja must be performed, followed by offering ghee soaked Deepa, Dhupa, Sindura, Chandana, Naivedya and flowers followed by the ‘Stuti’ that Vishnu himself recited: Vrindaa rupascha vrikshaascha yadaiktra bhavanti cha, Vidhurbhudaastena Vrindam matpriyaam taam bhajaamyaham/ Puraa babhuva yaa Devi twaadow vrindaavaney vaney, Tena Vrindaavani khyaataa soybhaagyam taam bhajaamyaham/ Asamkhyeshu cha viseshu pujitaa yaa nirantaram, Tena Vishwapujitaakhyaam Jagat-pujyaam bhajaamyaham/ Asamkhyaani cha Vishwaani pavitraani yayaa sadaa, Taam Vishwapaavaneem Deveem virahena smraanyaham/ Devaa na tushtaah pushpaanaam samuhena yaya vinaa, Taam Pushpa saaraam Shraddhaam cha drashtumicchhaami shokatah/ Vishwey

nu maya yatpraaptimaatrena bhaktaanando bhaveda dhruvam, Nandini tena vikhyaataa saa preetaa bhavataabhi mey/Yasya Devyaastulaa naast Visweshu nikhileshu cha, Tulasee tena vikhyaataa taam yaami sharanam priyaam/ Krishna jeevana rupaa yaa shaswatpriyatamaa Sati, Tena Krishna jeevaneeti mama rakkshantu jeevanam/ (When Vrinda tree and another kind of tree look alike, then intelligent persons call the group of trees as Vrinda only! It is that Vrinda who is popular that I pray; my greetings to that auspicious Devi who emerged in ancient times in Brindavana and was called as Brindaavani; I implore that unique tree which is worshipped among innumerable other trees and is called as Vishwa pujita; I greet that universally revered tree in veneration; it is the Pushpasaaraa which is held in high esteem among several other flowers and is meditated by all Devas that I yearn to vision with emotion and anxiety; may Tulasi be kind to me as she is known for spreading happiness around and fulfil one’s desires and that is why her epithet is Nandini. I seek shelter from that Devi whose inherent values are impossible to weigh (tulana) and therefore called Tulasi. It is that Vrinda Swarupa who is considered as Krishna jeevani that protects the life of Shri Krishna!). In short, Tulasi Stotra is: Vrindaa Vrindaavani Vishwapijita Vishwapaavani, Pushpa -saaraa Nandini cha Tulasi Krishna jeevani/ Etannaamaashtakam chaiva Stotram Naamaartha samyutam, yah pathet taam cha sapujya soshwamedha phalam labhet/ After the Stotra as above, the formal Puja comprising the ‘Shodashopachaaraas’ are required to be performed by men and women for prosperity, long and healthy life.

Devi Savitri’s ‘Puja Vidhana’

Devi Savitri is the mother of Vedas whom Brahma Deva worshipped first followed by all the Devas. A reputed King of Madradesha called Ashwapati and his queen Malati whose qualities of virtue, charity and devotion brought them fame in the contemporary times but had unfortunately no children. Maharshi Vasishta gave ‘Upadesha’ (Instruction) of Gayatri Mantra and the royal couple performed sincere ‘japa’ (repetitive muttering of Mantra) and worship but to no avail; they shifted to Pushkara Kshetra and intensified their devotion. Meanwhile, there was a celestial voice which directed the King to perform Gaytri Mantra japa ten lakh times. At the same time Maharshi Parashara arrived and advised the King as follows: One Gayatri japa a day would demolish sins of that day; ten Gayatris would remove the sins of a day and night; hundred times a day would destroy a month’s sins and thousand a day would blow up a month’s. The Japa of a lakh of Gayatri Mantra would relieve a life time’s sins and that of ten lakhs would bestow Siddhis. Gayatri Japa of a crore times would give highly positive impact and of ten crores would secure Mukti! Maharshi Parashara thus advised the King to perform ‘Trikaala Sandhyas’in the morning, mid day and the evening; he said that whatever virtuous deeds are done on a day would have no value to any Brahmana unless the Trikaala Sandhyas are achieved. If a person sincerely executes the Japas would become radiant like a Surya and the dust under his feet would become worship-worthy! Parashara Maharshi also taught the way the Gayatri Japa had to be done: Karam sarpa phanaakaaram krutwaa tam turdharva mudritam/ Aanamnamurthwamachalam prajepet praangmukho dwijah, Anaamikaa madhdya deshaadadho vaamakramaneyna cha/ Tarjanee mula paryantam japasyesha krama karey/ (A Brahmana should sit towards the East, keep the right hand lifted up and perform ‘Mudras’(hand postures or gestures) while the body is slightly bent down; the count of Gayatri should commence from the middle part of the Anamika finger and to its lower part; then to the little finger’s lower, middle and top

nu maya portions; back to the top of Anamika finger; then the top of the middle finger; again top of the fore finger, its middle and lower parts; and further to the lower parts of middle and Anamika fingers, thus totalling twelve). Maharshi Narayana explained to Narada that Savitri Vrata should be observed starting from the evening of Jyeshtha Krishna Trayodashi and on the following Charurdashi day perform the Savitri Puja with fourteen kinds of fruits and fourteen types of Naivedyas, pushpa, dhupa, Vastra, Yagnopaveeta etc.The Vrata Karta has to set up a Kalasha (vessel) and invoke Ganesha, Surya, Agni, Vishnu, Shiva and Parvati, and then execute Savitri dhyana, stotra and the formal puja. The ‘dhyana’ (meditation) to Devi Savitri would be on the following lines: ‘Devi Savitri! You have the complexion of molten gold with the radiance of Brahma Teja like the severe summer’s thousand mid-day Suryas wearing two Agni Shudha vastras. You are known as ‘Sukhada’, ‘Muktida’, ‘Shanta’, ‘Sarasampad Swarupa’ and ‘Sarva sampad pradaatri’(Provider of bliss, Salvation, Peace, and Wealth since you are the Symbol of Prosperity). May I invoke the ‘Adhishthaatri’or the Over-all in charge of Vedas and Shastras and meditate that Veda beeja Swarupa Savitri!’ After the invocation thus, the devotee would have to offer the ‘Shodashopachaaraas’ of Aasana, Paadya, Arghya, Snaana, Anulepana, Dhupa, Deepa, Naivedya, Taambula, Sheetala Jala, Vastra, Bhushana, Maalaa, Chandana, Aachamana and Shayya. [Details of Pativrata Savitri-Yama Raja dialogues are given in the Essence of Matsya Purana by the same author.] Mahalakshmi: her exit from Swarga and restoration, and Puja Vidhana (‘Shodashopacharas’ and ‘Stuti’ by Indra included)

Parabrahma Paramatma divided himself into two Bhagavans viz. Shri Krishna and Vishnu at the beginning of ‘Srishti’. Paramatma also divided into two Devis; from his right side was manifested Devi Radha and from the left Maha Lakshmi. Krishna and Radha resided in ‘Goloka’ while Vishnu and Lakshmi resided in Vaikuntha. Both Krishna and Vishnu as well as their Consorts were equal in their ‘Amshas’ traits in terms of Form, Profile, complextion, radiance, fame, dresses, adornments, Gunas, comprehension, voice, gait, morale and psychology, excepting Krishna was with two hands and Narayana with two hands. ‘Maha Lahshmi’ is called like wise as she is the supreme leader of womanhood representing idealism, virtue, grace, kindness, and all that is propitious and auspicious. She is called ‘Swarga Lakshmi’ as she is the Archetype of Wealth, Prosperity, and Magnificence. She is ‘Rajya Lakshmi’ standing for the Excellence of Royalty and Opulence; ‘Griha Lakshmi’ worshipped in each and every household and the symbol of patience, service, generosity, fertility, devotion and practical wisdom of all ‘Grihinis’. In fact, she is not confined to only Ashta Lakshmis viz. Adi Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Dhairya Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Santana Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, Vidya Lakshmi and Dhana Lakshmi, but characterizes several good aspects like Arogya Lakshmi, Shri Lakshmi, Shobha Lakshmi, Shubha Lakshmi, Rama, Indira, Chakrika, Kamalika, Kalyani, Vaishnavi, Narayani, Shri Devi, Jalaja, Madhavi, Aishwearya, Padma Priya, Padmakshi, Ulka Vahini and so on. She is present in all materials of significance like Bhushanas, Precious metals and Nava Ratnas, flowers, fruits, water, Kings and Queens, Homes, Palaces, Dhanyas, Vastras, Sacred Places, Deva Pratimas, Mangala Kalashas, Manikyas, Chandana and other fragrances, Dhanya, Vidya-Arogya and Puja related items etc. At the very first, Bhagavan Vishnu performed worship to Maha Lakshmi at Vaikuntha, followed by Brahma, Parama Shiva, Swayambhu Manu, Indra and Devas, Gandharvas, Nagas and Rishis and Munis. Brahma worshipped on

nu maya Bhadrapada Shuka Ashtami. Vishnu initiated Pujas on Chaitra, Pousha, and Bhadrapada Tuesdays and Fridays. Durvasa Muni was on way to Kailasha from Vaikuntha en route Swarga; on way he met Indra, blessed him and did the rare honour of gifting a Parijata flower garland which Vishnu presented to the Muni. Out of arrogance, Indra placed the garland around the neck of ‘Iraavata’-the Elephant Carrier of Indra! The infuriated Muni felt that this sacrilegious and irrevernt act of Indra was not only indicative of disrespect for himself but also an act of unpardonable profanity to Bhagavan Vishnu! He therefore cursed Indra saying that an invaluable gift rewarded to Durvasa by Narayana was parted with and out of consideration to Indra who ignored its inherent worth. Hence, the root cause of Lakshmi, who was the Form of Prosperity, should abandon Swarga forth with. He further said that as a Bhakta of Narayana, he had the least fear for Brahma or Shiva; in fact the head of the elephant which wore the Parajata garland should by sliced off and eventualy replace Ganesha’s head! With this furious curse of Durvasa, Indra came to senses and realised his unpardonable folly and said: Aishwaryam vipadaam beejam jnaana pracchanya kaaranam, Muktimargargalam daadhyam Hari bhakti vyavasaayikam/ Janma mrityu jaraa roga shoka bheetaamkuram Param, Sampatthi timiraandham cha Mukti maarga na pashyati/ (Aishwaryam or Great Prosperity is the seed from which difficulties arise, suppressing Gyan or Wisdom and the barrier of Mukti Marga creating obstacles all through the way of HariBhakti. Opulence happens to be the seedling to Janma /Birth, Mrityu/ Death, Jara / Old Age, Shoka / grief and Anurag / Desire. It is due to wealth that obstacles and blindness to ‘Mukti Marga’are caused). By so saying, Indra fell on Sage Durvasa’s feet with subdued ego and repentance. Muni Durvasa pardoned Indra and advised Deva Guru to be inolved to perform worship to Shri Krishna. Brihaspati gave him encouragement and said that virtuous and brave persons should not get disheartened on occasions like this; ‘Sampatti’ or fortune and ‘Vipatti’ or complex trouble would occur due to the Karma phala of previous births. Deva Guru further said: Maha vipattow samsaarey yah smaren Madhusudanam, Vipattow tasya Sampattir bhaveydvidityaaha Shankarah/ (A person who remembers the name of Madhusudana at the time of hardship would definitely find a way out from Vipatti to Sampatti according to Shankara). Later on Deva Guru and Indra approached Brahma Deva who in turn took Indra and Devas to Vaikuntha. Bhagavan Vishnu stated that just as the whole Universe was undre his control, he himself was bound by what his Bhaktaas dictated to him! Indeed, those who ignored Vishnu, my devotee Lakshmi too would leave that Place at once! After all, Maha Muni Durvasa of Shankara Deva’s Amsha was Vishnu’s parama Bhakta and his anger was indeed justified! As his shraddhaa in Govinda was unbreakable, the Muni cursed Indra for his unpardonable blunder. Indeed Lakshmi would instantly leave-and so would Vishnu- that house where there was no sound of ‘Shankha’ (Conchshell), nor where a Tulasi shrub was worshipped; nor where Shankara Puja was executed, and where Brahmanas were not invited to take food. Bhagavan Vishnu further said that Devi Lakshmi would not stay in such residences where Vishnu Bhaktas were critisised, where food was served on Ekadashis and Janmashtamis; where unmarried girls of Devi’s names were sold or purchased; where guests were not entertained for food or stay; where persons eat food before Sunrise; where persons sleep during the days or those who sleep naked; those Brahmanas who never performed Vratas, fastings, Sandhya vandanas and Vishnu pujas; and where there was ‘Jeeva himsa’ or Cruelty of human or other beings of any description. Contrarily, Lakshmi would stay permanently in those houses where there are discussions, Bhagavat

nu maya Kirtanas, singings of hymns, Shankha dhwanis, pujas of Shalagramas and Tulasi, Pujas of Devas and Devis, Devatarchanas and Naivedyas, renderings of Mantras and veneration of Deva Bhaktas, Godmen, Brahmanas and Sumangalis. Having explained on these lines, Vishnu advised Devi Lakshmi to stay in Ksheera Samudra till Devas and Danavas did ‘Amrita Manthana’or churning of the Ocean. Soon thereafter, the Sagara Manthana commenced with Mandara Mountain as ‘kaashtha’ or the Churning rod; Kurmavatara / the incarnation of Bhagavan Vishnu as Tortoise to balance the Mountain, Sesha Naaga as the rope with which to rotate the ‘kaashtha’, and Devas and Danavas as the Churning Parties. As result of the ‘Manthana’, first emerged ‘Halahala’( the massive poisonous flames) which was devoured by Maha Deva and kept in his throat and then surfaced elephant Iravata, Ucchhaishvara horse, Sudarshana Chakra, Koustubha Mani, Chandra and Devi Lakshmi whereafter emerged Dhanvantari and Amrit. Devi Lakshmi adorned Vishnu with Vanamali when Vishnu worshipped her, followed by Maha Deva, Brahma, Indra and Devatas when Durvasa’s curse to Indra was cleared and Lakshmi’s ‘Amsha’ reappeared as Swarga Lakshmi. Lakshmi Puja by Indra -‘shodashopachaaraas’ (Sixteen Services) and ‘Stuti’

An ever grateful Indra to Devi Lashmi then performed formal worship to the restored Swarga Lakshmi as follows commenced with Dhyana: ‘Parama Pujya Bhagavati Maha Lakshmi seated on a thousand petalled Lotus illuminated with the lustre of countless Chandras! We are mesmerised to vision your stunning and gorgeous Rupa like that of molten gold wearing silks of extraordinary grace and charismatic smile as the Embodiment of Affluence and Propitiousness. May we deserve the extraordinary fortune of worshipping you in person?’ Asanam: Amulya Ratna saaram cha nirmitam Vishwakarmanaa, Pashyaani prakrush -taani varaani durlabhaani cha, Aasaanamcha vichitram cha Maha Lakshmi pragruhnataam/ (Bhagavati Maha Lakshmi! May I offer in your service an invaluable and distinguished seat made of Choicest Jewels specially designed and crafted by Vishwakarma, the Celestial Designer!) Paadyam: Shuddham Gangodakamidam Sarva Vanditameepsitam, Paapedhma vahni rupam cha gruhyataam Kamalaalay/ (Kamalaalaye! This pure and hallowed Ganga water is borne by the heads of one and all as the same is endeared and revered by them; this is considered as Agni Swarupa which burns off all kinds of sins; do kindly accept it to wash your sacred feet); Arghyam: Pushpa chandana durvaadi samyuktam Jaahnaveejalam, Shankha garbhastitam shuddham gruhnataam Padma vaasini/ ( Padmavaasini! This Ganga water in a Shankha along with flowers, Chandana, Durva and such other consecrated material is offered to you as a welcome drink) Sugandhi Pushpa thailam: Sugandhi pushpa thailam cha Sugandhaamalaki phalam, Deha Soundrya beejam cha gruhnataam Shri Harey Priye! (Shri Hari Priye! This fragrant oil extracted from Amala fruit is a pleasing application to enrich physical beauty and skin smoothening; do please allow it to be used as a bathing device); Dhoop :Vriksha niryaa swarupam cha Gandhadravyaadi samyutam, Shri Krishna kaantey dhupam cha pavitram prati-guhyataam/ (Shri Krishna Kantey! I proffer ‘dhoop’or the aromatic smoke of incense material mixed with a vegetable gum; do kindly accept this smoke offered with sanctity); Chandan: Malayaachala sambhutam vriksha saaram manoharam, Sugandha yuktam sukhadam Chandanam Devi gruhnataam/ (Devi! this chandana ‘gandha’ which originated from the chandana tree on Malaya mountain is not only sweet-smelling but also provider of coolness; I

nu maya request you to apply on your body to give soothening effect); Deepam: Jagacchasthuh swarupam cha dhwaanta pradhwansa kaaranam, Pradeepam shuddha rupam cha gruhyataam Parameswari/ (Parameswari! Kindly allow this Sacred Light which is the vision of eyes, remover of darkness and a symbol of Purity to please you and light the surroundings); Naivedya: Naanopahaara rupam cha nanaa rasa samanvitam, Naanaa swaadukaram chaiva Naivedyam Pratigruhnnataam/ (Devi! I am tendering this ‘Naivedya’or the offering of various eats and juices which have been prepared with taste and flavor; I should be obliged of these snacks are consumed to please me). Anna: Annam Brahma swarupam cha Pranarakshana kaaranam, Tushtidam Pushtidam chaiva Devyaannam pratigruhyataam/ (Devi! Annam/ food is considered to be of Brahma Swarupa; food is also a life saving material which ensures eating-satisfaction and enhances strength in the natural way; I request you to taste this food); Kheer: Shaalyakshata supakwam cha sharkaraagavya samyutam suswaadu samanoharam, Swaadu yuktam Maha -Lakshmi Paramaannam Pratiguhyataam/ ( Maha Lakshmi! This Kheer or cooked rice with sugar and ghee is specially prepared for your taste; please taste this preparation); Swaastika Mishtaanna: Shakaraa gavya pakwam cha suswaadu sumanoharam, Mayaa niveditam LakshmiSwaastikam pratiguhnataam/ (Lakshmi! This is ‘Mrishta- anna’/Sweet rice called Swastika which is a mix of sugar and ghee in cooked rice which is being offered as a Naivedya to you for your kind acceptance). Phala: Naanaa vidhani ramyaani pakkvaani cha phalaanicha, Swaaduyuktaani Kamaley gruhyataam phaladaani cha/ (Devi Kamaley! These are various fruits ripe for eating, which are not only sweet luscious but also desire-fulfilling; may I present these juicy fruits for approval). Dughdha: Surabhistana sambhutam swaadu sumanoharam, Martra -amrutam sugavyam cha gruhnnataamachyuta priye/ (Achyuta Priye! This pure milk which is fresh from Surabhi cow’s udder is meant for Martyaloka residents and is tasty like ambrosia; I beseech you to taste it and gratify me!) Gud / Jaggery: Suswaada rasa samyuktamikshu vriksha samudbhavam, Agnipakkamati swaadu gudam cha prati- guhyataam/ (Devi! this jaggery has been made of sugarcane juice heated up and solidified; indeed this is very sweet and fresh; please savour this). Mrishtaanna: Yava godhuma sashyaanaam churna renu samudbhavam, Supakvam guda gavyaaktam Mrishtaannam Devi gruhyataam/ (Devi! This is a sweet preparation made of wheat and ‘Yava’grains-mix, nicely cooked with jaggery and ghee which too is very appetizing for favour of your taste); Pishtak: Shasyachurnodbhavam pakkvam Swastikaadi sumanvitam, Mayaa niveditam DeviPishtakam pratigruhyataam/ (Devi! This pishtak made of rice powder with Swastika and other signs is a fried and crisp savoury for your taste); Eik/ Sugar cane: Paarthivo vriksha bhedascha vividha dravya kaaranam, Suswaadurasa samyutam Eikshuscha pratigruhyatam/ (Devi! This sugar cane is an extraordinary tree on Earth and is a source of several bye products like jaggery, sugar and simple juice from raw cane; this juice is indeed very sweet and succulent; it is my prayer that you may drink up this juice!); Vyanjan: Sheeta vaayu pradam chaiva daahey cha sukhadam param, Kamaley! Gruhyataam chedam vyajanam shweta chaamaram/ (Kamaley! In this stuffy climate, a white ‘chamara’/ hand fan would certainly bring relief and happiness; may I serve you with ‘Vyanjana’ for your comfort); Taamboola: Taambulamcha varam ramyam karpuraadi suvaasitam, Jihwaa jaadyacchedakaram Taamboolam Devi gruhyataam/ (Devi! This ‘Taamboola’ made of tender betel leaves and fragrant materials like ‘karpura’/ camphor and other scented edible digestibles would provide freshness and good feeling to your tongue and mouth; may I tender this to you); Jala: Suvaasitam sheetalamcha pipaasaa naashakaaranam, Jagajjevaa

nu maya rupamcha jeevanam Devi gruhyataam/ (Devi! To quench thirst, there is nothing like very cold, nicely scented and life-reviving water; do please accept this as well); Maalya: Deha soundarya bijam cha sadaa Shobha vivardhanam, Kaarpaasaja cha krumijam vasanam Devi gruhyataam/ (Devi! The bouquets and garlands made of a wide variety of fresh and perfumed seasonal flowers provide invaluable joy to the wearers of these as also enhance beauty and grace to them; it is my privilege and unique opportunity to proffer these flowers to you); Achamaneeya: Punya tirthakam chaiva Vishuddham Suddhidam sadaa, Grhnateem Krishna Kaantey twam ramyamaachaneeyakam/ ( Krishna Kaantey! This ‘Tirtha jala’which is sanctified on its own as also purify others is highly worthy of ‘Achamaneeya’; do accept the same); Shayya: Ratnasaaraadi nirmaanam pushpachandana samyutm, Ratnabhusha bhushaadhyam sutalpam Devi gruhnnataam/ (This invaluable and highly comfortable bed with soft cotton and silk clothing, which is bejewelled and treated with fresh and intoxicating flowers and fragrances, is tendered to you Devi! please do accept this for your relaxation); Apurva Dravya: Yadyad dravyamapurvam cha Prithivyaapi durlabham, Deva bhushaarbhogyam cha taddrayam Devi gruhnataam/ (Devi! Not only these but whatever invaluable and even impossible maretials are available on Earth or elsewhere that are worthy of adorning your body would be available at your nod of head!) After performing the ‘Shodashopa -charaas’ thus, Indra pleased Devi Lakshmi with the recital of the Moola Mantras which were taught to him by Brahma Deva: These Mantras include: ‘Shri Beeja’ (Shreem), ‘Maya Beeja’ (Hreem), ‘Kama Beeja’ (Kleem), and ‘Vani Beeja’ (Aim), followed by the word ‘Kamalavaasinyai’ and further adding the word ‘Swaahaa’; the Mantrarajaa would be : SHREEM HREEM KLEEM AIM KAMALAVAASINYAI SWAAHAA/ Kubera recited this Mantra for long time to Devi Lakshmi and attained unprecedented ‘Aishwarya’(Wealth); also Daksha Savarni Manu secured unique Sovereignty of ‘Sapta Dwipas’. As Bhagavati Maha Lakshmi gave ‘darshan’ (vision) to Indra Deva, he was overtaken by extreme emotion and praised her as follows: Indra ‘Stuti’ to Devi Lakshmi

At the time of Srishti, Devas approached Brahma to formalise an arrangement of their food. As Brahma requested Vishnu, the latter materialised an ‘Amsha’ in the form of ‘Yagna’and which ever ‘havishyas’ (oblations) were made to Agni by Brahma were transferred to Devas. But the offerings made by Brahmanas, Kshatriyas etc. never reached to Devas. As Brahma requested Shri Krishna to sort out the problem, the latter desired Mula Prakriti to release one of her ‘Kalas’ or features and Prakriti materialised the Dahika Shakti of Agni in the form of Swaha Devi. Brahma suggested Swaha Devi to marry Agni Deva, but she was reluctant to do so as her intense desire was to wed Shri Krishna and none else; she performed severe Tapasya and Shri Krishna advised her to marry Agni Deva for the time being and wait till the

nu maya end of Varaha Kalpa when she would be be reborn as Devi Nagnajiti, the daughter of King Nagnajit. As advised, Swaha Devi married Agni and gave birth to three famous sons named ‘Dakshinaagni’, ‘Garhapatyagni’ and ‘Ahavaneeyaagni.’ Meanwhile, Rishis, Munis, Brahmanas, Kshatriyas etc. came to practise the pronounciation of Swaha Mantra and lasting arrangement of food for Devas had been made eversince. In fact, those ‘havishyas’ / ‘Ahutis’ made to Agni without the Swaha Mantra is like a snake without poison, a Brahmana without the knowledge of Veda, a woman who has to devotion to her husband, a person without ‘Vidya’(education) and a tree which does not bear fruits. Worship of Swaha Devi thus continued with the Mula Mantra: Om Hreem Shreem Vahnijaayai Devyai Swaha and formal puja with Shodashopachaaraas or the Sixteen Services The Sixteen Sacred names of Swaha Devi are as follows: Swaha, Aadyaa, Prakrutyamsha, Mantratantranga Rupini, Mantraphaladaatri, Jagaddhaatri, Sati, Siddhiswarupa, Siddha, Sadaa Nrunaam Siddhidaa, Hutaashaadaahikaa Shakti, Hutaashaa Praanaa-dhika Rupini, Samsaara saararupa, Ghora samsaara taarini, Deva jeevana rupa and Devaposhana kaarini. Recital of these names would bestow Siddhis; the persons concerned are also shielded against Anga heenata, Bharyaa heenata and Putra heenata (physical disablity, dearth of wife or deficiency of progeny respectively). Swadha Devi is an enricher of ‘Pitru Trupti’ and ‘Shraddhaas’. At the time of Srishti, Brahma created seven Pitaras (Kardama, Pulaha, Kulah, Bhrigu, Bharadwaja, Marichi and Angira) and their descendants of whom four were ‘Murtimaans’ (with Form) and three in the form of ‘Tejas’.The daily duties of Brahmanas include Trikaala Sandhya, Shraaddha, Tarpana, Balivaishwa Deva, and Veda Pathana. Also ‘Tarpanaanta Snaana, Shraddha paryanta Pujana and Trikaala Sandhyaanta Ahnika Karma are the duties as prescribed by ‘Shrutis’.Brahma stipulated ‘Shraddha Vidhana’/ procedure including the material to be used etc. but the food oblations to Pitrus by Brahmanas never reached them properly and the Pitras complained to Brahma and as in the case of Swaha Devi, Mula Prakriti manifested from one of her Amshas another Devi Swadha like white Champaka with the features of Vidya, Guna, Buddhi and Shuddhi or Knowledge, Characteristics, Temperament and Purity respectively similar to Lakshmi Devi. Brahma declared Swadha Devi as the wife of Pitras, just as Swaha Devi in the case of Agni. In respect of ‘Vastu daana’and offerings to Devatas at Yagnas / Homas through Agni Deva, the Mantra suffix Swaha is to be recited, offerings to Pitras are to be suffixed with the Mantra viz. Swadhaana. Here again, offerings to Pitras by way of Tarpanas and Shraddhaas are invalid without the suffix Mantra viz. Swadhaana. Swadhaa Swadhaa Swadheytyevam Trisandhyam yah pathennarah, Priyaam vineetaam sa labhet Saddhvi putrah gunaanvitam, Pitruunaam Pranatulyaa twam Dwija jeevana rupini, Shradhhadhishthaatru Devi cha Shraddhaadeenaam phalapradaa/ (Those who recite the Sacred name of ‘Swadha, Swadha, Swadha’ at the time of Trikaala Sandhya would be bestowed with a loving and loyal wife as also well behaved children. Devi! You are the ‘Prana Tulya’ to Pitaras and the ‘Jeevana Swarupa’ of Brahmanas, being the ‘Adhishthaatri’of ‘Shraaddhas’; it is through your kindness that Shraddhas and Tarpanas become successful. You provide ‘Tushti’ (satisfaction) to Pitras, Preeti (fulfilment) to Dwijas and ‘Abhivruddhi’ to ‘Grihastis’or house-holders). Maharshi Narayana further advised Sage Narada about the Mula Mantra of Swadha Devi viz. Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Swadhaa Devyai Swahaa. After invoking the Devi with the Mantra, Brahmanas perform Puja, Stuti and prostration to seek the blessings of Pitru Devas.

nu maya Maharshi Narayana narrated to Narada about the background of Gopika Susheela of Rasamandali of Goloka. She was deeply desirous of Shri Krishna and Devi Radha was annoyed and asked Susheela to leave Goloka. Almost instantly Shri Krishna disappeared and Devi Radha was confused and prayed to him saying that despite her being with him for long, she could not overcome the temperament of a woman. As though he pardoned Devi Radha, Shri Krishna re-appeared at Goloka. Meanwhile, Devi Susheela assumed the name of Dakshina Devi and performed harsh Tapasya to Shri Hari and the latter blessed her and handed her over to Brahma who in turn declared her as the wife of Yagna Deva. ‘Phala’ was the son of Dakshina and Yagna. Besides Yagnas, any Sacred Karya-be it a Vrata, a Mangala charya, a devotional task of any description needs to be rewarded as Dakshina to Brahmanas concerned immediately; other wise the Punya Karma is stated to be a futile exercise and gets registered as an enrty into the stomach of ‘Bali’! Dakshina Devi is stated to have materialised from the right shoulder of Devi Lakshmi as an important ‘Kala’ (feature) and is a formaliser and the fulfilling agent of any Punya Karya! Worship to Dakshina Devi by way of Dhyana by the Mula Mantra - Om Shreem Kleem Hreem Dakshinayai Swaha-followed by Padya, Arghya, Naivedya etc. would grant Vidya to Vidyaheen, Dhan to Dhanaheen, Bhumi to Bhumiheen, Bharya to Bharyaheen, Putra to Putraheen etc. Those who face difficulties, dangers and complexities would be freed by reciting the Mula Mantra for a month and the beneficial results would be sure to folllow. Shashthi Devi is a Matrika Devi called Devasena, the consort of Kartika and is also known as ‘Balada’ and ‘Vishnu Maya’. Her natural characteristic is to provide shield to children by way of security, development, intelligence, good health, happiness and long-life. King Priyavrata, the illustrious son of Swayambhu Manu by deftly divided the World into Sapta Dwipas performed a tough Yagna to secure a son. When his wife got pregnant, the King was delighted and anxiously awaited the birth of a son, but alas his wife delivered a still child. The King took the dead child to the cremation ground, cremated him and desired to take away his life too. All of a sudden, there was a flood of light and a Devi appeared who said that she was Shashthi, the wife of Kartikeya also called Devasena, the Manasa Kanya of Brahma Deva and a Matrika born out of the sixth Amsha of Prakriti Devi. She revived the dead boy to life and commanded him that he should perform worship to her as also popularise her puja among his subjects, that his revived son would be named Suvrata who would perform hundred Ashwamedha Yagnas, and that he would become a Supreme Monarch. King Priyavrata declared Shashthi Puja on the sixth day of every new child, besides observing Shukla Shasthi of every month for her worship. Besides, the twenty first day after each child’s birth would be the day of Nama Karan and again on the day of ‘Annaprashan’too, there would be celebrations in the name of the Devi who indeed was the provider of security and good health to the new-borns throught out their childhood. Devi Shashthi’s worshipped was popularised in each household with the Mula Mantra japa viz. Om Hreem Shashthi Devavyai swaha and formal Puja with Stotra, dhupa, deepa, Naivedya etc. Devi Shashti’s constant puja provides excellent health and Vidya to all the growing children. Also those who have no children would be blessed with good offspring who again are granted growth, health and happiness. Mangala Chandi literally denotes competent and capable Provider of Auspiciousness. In the Manu Vamsha (Lineage), there was a famous Emperor named Mangala who ruled Sapta Dwipas (Seven Islands). He always prayed to Mangala Chandi of Mula Prakriti’s manifestation of Durga, who was an ‘Ishta Devata’ of women-folk. Mangala Chandi too was

nu maya of the Amsha of Bhumi who was the mother of Mangala Graha. When Shankara encountered a problem with Tripurasura who felled the aeroplane by which the former was travelling, Bhagavati Durga assured Shankara that Vishnu would take the form of ‘Vrishabha’ (bull) and with her grace would kill Tripurasura. Then Shankara out of gratitude worshipped Durga Devi in the form of Mangala Chandi with the Mula Mantra Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Sarva pujyai Devi Mangala Chandikey Aim Kruum Phat Swaha and worshipped her with Dhyana, Padya, Arghya, Achamana, Vastra, Pushpa, Chandana, Naivedya, Bali, Alamkara, Maala, Pishtaka, Madhu, Sudha and a variety of fruits. Parama Shiva also complemented Mangala Chandi with the Stotra saying: ‘Bhagavati Mangala Chandi! You are destroyer of evils and difficulties providing a full shield and protection to all the Bhaktas. You are the Mangala Daksha, Shubha Mangala Chandika, Mangala, Mangalaarha and Sarva Mangala Mangalya! You are the Mangala Devi of Mangalas and the Epitome of Mangala or Proptiousness. Do grant us of everything that is positive and auspicious! May my prayers in Tuesdays be fruitful and rewarding!’ Mansa Devi is famed Deity who has been the constant fulfiller of genuine wishes of her devotees was the mind-born daughter of Kashyapa Muni. She is addressed by several epithets as ‘Vaishnavi Devi’as the Meditator for Three Yugas and when Parameshwara appeared before her he called her ‘Jaratkaaru’ seeing her torn vastra and emaciated body ; he also blessed her that she would be woshipped as a Deity in Swarga, Brahmaloka, Bhumandala and Paataala; as she was of extreme ‘Goura Varna’ with extraordinary beauty and grace, she came to be called ‘Gagadgouri’; as she was trained in the discipline of devotion by Parama Shiva, she is ‘Shaivi’; since she was the unique devotee of Bhagavan Vishnu, she has been called ‘Vaishnavi’; as she rescued innumerable snakes in the Sarpa Yagna performed by King Janamejaya of Padanvas of Maha Bharata as a retribution against a snake called Daksha killed his father Parikshit, she came to be called ‘Nageswari’ and ‘Nagabhagini’; as she was a destroyer of ‘Visha’(Poison), she came to be named as ‘Vishahaari’; as she secured Yoga Siddhi from Shiva Deva, she is called’Siddha Yogini’; as Shiva bestowed ‘Mrita Sanjeevani Vidya’ or the Mantra Vidhana of reviving the Dead, she got the description of ‘Maha Jnaana Yukta’; she is also called ‘Jaratkaaru Priya’ or the beloved wife of Jaratkaaru Muni and also as ‘Astika Maata’ or mother of Sage Astika. (Jaratkaarur Jagadgouri Manasaa Siddha Yogini, Vaishnavi Naagabhagini Shaivi Nageswari tathaa/ Jaratkaarupriya Astika Maataa Vishaharoticha, MahaaJnaana yuktaa chaiva saa Devi Vishwa -pujitaa/ Dwaadashaitaani nammani pujakaaley tu yah pathet, Tasya Nagabhayam naasti tasya Vamshodbhavasya cha/) If a person is afraid of snakes, or resides in a place where serpents move about or are infested with snakes, recital of the above Stanza would instantly run away from that Place; those who recite the Stotra ten lakh times would attain Naga Siddhi and would become immune from snake bites and his / hers body would be poison-proof . That person could even play with snakes and hang them around their necks! They would also attain Siddhis like Nagasana and Naga Talpa. Mansa Devi’s Mula Mantra is Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Aim Manasa Devyai Swaha/ A devotee who performs worship to her with this Mantra followed by the sixteen services of Dhyana, Pushpa, Gandha, Naivedya etc. especially on Ashadha Sankranti Panchami day -Naga Pachami day- would certainly become Dhanavaan, Putravaan and Kirtimaan.

An incident related to Sadhvi Manasa was that her husband Sage Jaratkaru was resting on her lap one evening and she had to disturb him since it was time to perform Sandhyo -pasana; the Muni cursed her to give birth in a Chandala family but when she gave the reason of

nu maya disturbing him was known, he tried to curse Surya who said that he had to do his daily duty. When Manasa cried, he lightened the curse that she could meet him any time and blessed that an excellent son of Brahma Gyan, Tapaswi and Vishnu Bhakta would be born; by the grace of Shri Krishna, the Manasa- Jaratkaru were able to meet as and when desired and they gave birth toAstika. Eventually, Deity Surabhi, the Divine Mother of the Vamsa of Cows appeared and bestowed her milk to Manasa and by her grace she attained Swarga Loka! Devi Radha-Her origin at Goloka, birth on Earth & return and Puja Vidhan

Maharshi Narayana narrated to Narada Muni that Maha Deva explained to Devi Parvati about the ‘Praadurbhaava’ and ‘Mahatwa’ (Origin and Magnificence) of Devi Radha. Maha Deva said: Radhaa bhajeti Shri Krishnam sa cha taam cha parasparam, Ubhayoh Sarvasaamyam cha sadaa Santho vadanti cha/ (Devi Radha worships Shri Krishna and Shri Krishna worships Radha; they both are the ‘Araadhya’ and ‘Araadhaka’ (worship and the worshipped) respectively.The Great Learned Experts are convinced and strongly believed that both Radha and Krishna are unified as also the counterpart concepts. Radha emerged from the words of ‘Ra’ denoting ‘Raasa’ and ‘Dhaavan’ denoting attraction or magnetism for the beloved (Shri Krishna). Another interpretation would be: Mere pronouncement of the ‘Shabda’ (word) ‘Raa’ would readily attract the unobtainable ‘Mukti’ and pronounciation of the word ‘Dhaa’ would instantly chase Shri Krishna’s sacred feet! A simpler interpretation of the word ‘Raa’ denotes accomplishment and the word ‘Dha’means ‘Nirvana’ or ‘Moksha’. Maha Deva further explained that from the hair roots of Radha emerged innumerable ‘Gopis’ and from Shri Krishna’s ‘romakupas’ emerged as many ‘Gopas’. From the left side of Radha was materialised Devi Lakshmi who was the ‘Adhishtatri’or Sovereign of ‘Sashya’ or Crops; Griha Lakshmi of house-holds; the Four armed Maha Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu of Vaikuntha and the Rajyalakshmi of Kingships. Radha herself resides in Krishna’s own chest and is the ‘Adhistatri’ of Krishna’s very existence, but for the curse of Sudama, due to which she had to descend from Goloka to Bhuloka as the daughter of Vrishabhunu Gopa and his wife Kalaavati. When once Radha was angry with Krishna during their love-hate dialogue objecting to Krishna’s tolerance of Viraja Gopi’s open declaration of love for Krishna, Sudama Gopa intervened and Radha therefore cursed him to become an ‘Asura’ viz. Shankhachuda the wife of Tulasi, and Radha received Sudama’s return curse to become Radha on Earth. Vrishabhanu’s wife Kalaavati gave birth to Yoga Maya Vayu alias Radha. As Radha grew up, her parents decided to marry her off to Rayana, but at the time of wedding, Maya Radha was materialised and the real Radha diappeared. In the name of security, the newly- born Krishna was transferred across the River Yamuna for the fear of King Kamsa from Mathura; Rayana was the brother of Devi Yashoda who was married to Maya Radha. Real Radha appeared at Pushkar Tirtha since Brahma performed long time Tapasya for her and blessed him; after a little stint at Brindavan at Rasa leelas with the human Krishna, the Real Radha who made hazy appearances at Brindavana;s ‘rasaleelas’ with Krishna left forTirtha Yatras for hundred years left for Goloka, while meanwhile the human form of Shri Krishna lightened of the burden on Earth by killing several Danavas inhuman forms like Kamsa, Shishupala etc. Prajapati Drona was reborn as Nanda and Yashoda who had the good fortune of parenthood of Shri Krishna; Maharshi Kashyapa was born as Vasudeva and Aditi as Devaki, while Kalavati became Radha Devi’s mother and Vrishabhanu was Vasudama Gopa.

Devi Durga’s sixteen names viz. Durga, Narayani, Ishaana, Vishnu Maya, Shiva, Sati, Nitya, Satya, Bhagavati, Saavarni, Sarva Mangala, Ambika, Vaishnavi, Gauri, Parvati and Sanatani. Bhagavan Vishnu annotated the above names: In the word Durga + ‘aa’, the shabda ‘aa’ stands for ‘hanta’or demolisher; in other words Durga demolishes Daityas, Maha Vighna, Bhava bandhana, Karma, Shoka, Duhkha, Naraka, Janma / birth, Yamadanda, Maha Bhaya and Atyanta Roga or extreme illnesses. Narayani denotes kirti (fame), teja (radiance), rupa (excellent Form) and guna (characteristics). The break-up of the word Ishaana is Ishaan + ‘aa’; Ishaan indicates ‘Siddhis’and ‘aa’ stands for ‘Provider’. Vishnu Maya refers to the Thick Cover of Maya or illusion created by Bhagavan Vishnu at the time of Creation of the Universe. Shiv+ aa refers to Durga who is bestower of Shiv / ‘Kalyana’or propitiousness. Sati denotes the Better Half of Shiva, Pativrata and the epitome of Sadbuddhi / excellent outlook. Durga is Nitya or Everlasting as is ‘Paramatma’. Satya is the the Everlasting Truth like Paramatma is. Bhagavati denotes the one who is the emblem Bhaga (blessing). Saavarni provides uniform qualities to all Beings in Srishti from Brahma downward. Sarva Mangala is theEmbodient of Priopitiousness. Durga is Ambika or the Universal Mother. Vaishnavi is the Shakti of Durga Devi. Durga is Gauri as she has Goura Varna; also she possesses Parama Shakti; Shiva is her Guru as well as Shri Krishna. She is Parvati or Parvata Raja Putri and the Adhishtaana Devata of ‘Parva’/Festivities. Sanatani denotes ‘Sanaa’ or Sarvada and ‘tani’ or Vidyamaan. Paramatma Shri Krishna worshipped Devi Durga at the time of Srishti at Goloka in the Raasa mandali of Brindavana for the first time. At the second time, Brahma worshipped as the whole Universe was in the grip of fear due to the Daityas Madhu and Kaitabha. Shiva worshipped Durga at the third time when he had to encounter Tripurari. Indra performed ‘Aradhana’ to Devi Bhagavati as he was dethroned due to Durvasa Muni’s curse and Rajya Lakshmi deserted Swargaloka. Eversince then, Munindras, Siddhendras, Devatas and others had been worshipping Devi Durga to accomplish their own ends. At the beginning of Dwiteeya Parardha, there was a King called Surata in the lineage of Dhruva who lost his Kingdom to another King called Nanidi and took shelter from the Ashram of Muni Medhasa. Meanwhle a Vaishya called Samadhi also sought shelter form the Muni since, Samadhi’s wife and sons were unscrupulous and turned Samadhi out from his house. The Muni taught the Durga Puja Vidhana, Stotra, Kavacha and Mula Mantra to both the fugitives, one from his Kingdom and another from his own house. Prakriti Devi was pleased and bestowed Suratha his Kingdom, Manutva after his life.Vaishya was asked as to what could be bestowed to him; did he desire Siddhis, or Manutwa, Indratwa, Amaratwa aor even Brahmatwa! Samadhi replied that he did not know what the best was for him but she might please bestow

nu maya Dakshina Swarupa at all kinds of Sacred ‘Karyas’ including ‘Daana Yajnaas’! You are the Nidra Devi, Daya Devi, Trishna /thirst, Kshudha /hunger, Kshama /Patience, Shanti /Peace, Ishwari, Kanti / Illumination, Shashwati / the Permanent, Shraddhaa /fortitude, Pushti/ physical strength, Tandra /fatigue, Lajja / disgrace, Shobha /brilliance, and Daya / mercy.Devi! You are the ‘Sampatti’ or prosperity to ‘Satpurushas’/ virtuous persons and ‘Vipatti’for ‘Dushtas’.Even to Brahma, you are the ‘Dharana-Poshana’/ Preserver and Promoter. You ensure that the balance of ‘Samsara’ is maintained by destroying the Asuras / the Evil and encourage Devas/ the Virtue; You are the Yoga Nidra, the awarder of Yoga phal to Yogis, Siddhi to Siddhaas, and thus the Embodiment of Siddhi and Yoga.You are the Brahmaani, Maaheswari, Vishnu Maya, Vaishnavi, Bhadraayani and Bhadra Kaali. You are the ‘Graama Devi’/ Deity of Villages, ‘Griha Devi’/ the Resident Deity of Households. In Maha Yuddhaas / Great Battles, you are the ‘Dushta samhaarini’/ the annihilator of the wicked and to Sishta Purushas / the Protector and Unique Mother-Figure of the Righteous. You provide Brahmanatwa to Brahmanas, Tapasya to Tapaswis, Vidya to Vidwaans, Buddhi to Buddhimaans, Medha / intellect and memory power to the Intellectuals, Pratibha / mental agility to Buddhishaalis, Valour to Kings, Business Skills to Vaishyaas, and physical strength and well being to Shudras. At the time of Destruction, You shatter the Universe as ‘Mahamaari’, ‘Kaalaraatri’, and Maha Maya or the Great Deluge!) Sincere recital of the above ‘Durgama Sankata Naasha Stotra’ extolled by Shri Krishna to Durga Devi would most certainly fulfil any desire of the Reciter. If a woman without a child, or delivers a dead or deformed child recites or hears the Stotra for a year, she would definitely give birth to an excellent boy. If a person in imprisonment languishing in custody recites the ‘Sankata naasha Stotra’ even for a month, he or she would be freed with grace. Similarly, persons suffering from incurable diseases; differences of opinions or unending quarrels; house-fires; robberies or natural disasters or difficulties of any descriprtion would smoothly overcome such situations as hard as even death!Bhagavan Narayana then imparted the following ‘Maha Durlabha Kavacha of Durga’(very difficult to secure Shield) to Narada Muni; by wearing this Shield, Bhadra Kaali killed Raktabija; Indra regained Rajya Lakshmi and his lost Indratwa; Mahaakaal became a Chirajeevi and Dharma Purusha, Nandi became a Maha Jnaani; Parashu Rama attained invinciblity and rooted out the then Kshatriyas who were most hated at one time; and Durvasa Muni was blessed as an equivalent in his powers as Maha Deva himself! The following Kavacha Shlokas protect and empower each body part of its Reciter and provide strength, mental power and ‘Jeevan Mukti’ or Salvation in one’s own life! Durga Kavacham: Om Durgeti chaturyantam swaahaanto mey shirovatu, Mantraha Shadaksharoyam cha Bhaktaanaam Kalpapaadapah, Vichaaro naasti Vedeshu grahanecha Manomuney/ Mantragrahana maatrena Vishnu tulyo Bhavennnarah, Mama Vaktram sadaa paatu Om Durgaayai namontatah/ Om Durgaa raksha iti cha kantham paatu sadaa mama, Om Hreem Shreem iti Mantroyam Skandhah paatu narantaram/ Om Hreem Shreem Kleem iti pushtam cha paatu mey sarvatah sadaa, Hreem mey Vakshahthalam paatu hastam Shimati santatam/ Om Shreem Hreem Kleem paatu sarvaangam swapney jaagaraney tathaa, Praachyaam maam paatu Prakritih paatu Vahnai cha Chandikaa/ Dakshiney Bhadra Kaalicha Nairrutey cha Maheswari, Vaaruney paatu Vaaraahi Vaayavyaam Sarva Mangalaa/ Uttarey Vaishnavi paatu tathaishaanaam Shiva priyaa, Jaley sthaley chaantarikshey paatu maam Jagadambikaa/ Iti tey katitham Vatsa! Kavacham cha sudurlabham, Yasmai kasmai na daatavyam praktavyam na kasyachit/ Gurumbhyarchya Vidhivadstraa – lankaara chandanaih, Kavacham dhaarayedyastu sopi Vishnurna

nu maya samshayah/ Bhramaney sarva Tirthaanaam Prithivyaascha pradakshiney,Yat phalam labhatey lokasta detadbhaaraney Muney/ Pancha laksha japyenaiva siddhamedbhaved dhruvam, Lokamcha Siddha kavacham naasrtam vidhyati samkatey/ Na tasya Mrityurbhavati jaley Vahney Vished dhruvam, Jeevanmukto bhavet sopi Sarva siddheshvarah swayam/ Yadi syat Siddha kavacho Vishnutulyo bhaved dhruvam/ (May this Mantra of Six Aksharas / Letters which are like a ‘Kalpa Vriksha’ viz. ‘Om Durgayai swaha’ protect my head. There was no mention in Vedas about this and as soon as the Mantra is instructed, the person concerned to whom it is taught is as good as Vishnu himself! Let the Mantra ‘Om Durgayai Namah’ guard my face. Let the Mantra ‘Om Durgey Raksha’ safeguard my throat. May the Mantra ‘Om Hreem Shreem’ protect my shoulders always. May the Mantra ‘Om Hreem Shreem Kleem’ save the rear part of my body! Let the Mantras ‘Hreem’ protect my chest and ‘Shreem’ my hands.May the Mantra ‘Om Shreem Hreem Kleem’ keep my entire body safe while I am awake or asleep. Prakriti Devi! Please save me from my Eastern side. Chandika Devi! Keep me secure from the Agneya side. May Bhadrakaali save me from the Southern direction, Maheswari from Nirruti kona, Vaaraahi from the Western direction, Sarva Mangala from Vayavya kona, Vaishnavi from North, Shiva Priya from Ishanakona, and Jagadambika from water, Bhumi and Sky. Vatsa! I have given you this Kavacha which is hard to secure and this should not be given away to each and everybody nor should be recited before any body. One should formally worship Guru with Vastra / clothing, Aabhushana/ ornament and Chandana and then only wear the Kavacha as this is as good as Vishnu Himself. This gives the ‘Phala’ of performing Sampurna/ complete Tirtha Yatras and full circling of Prithvi. This Sacred Kavacha has to be recited five lakh times to attain its fruition or Siddhi. Once a person secures Siddhi, no Astra could demolish him; he could enter water and Agni with ease; and he would the status of ‘Jeevan Mukta’).After the recitals of the Durga Stotra and Kavacha, formal Durga Puja is performed with Asana, Vasana, etc. as also to Ashta Nayakas viz. Ugrachanda, Prachanda, Chandogra, Chandanayika, Atichanda, Chanda, and Chandavati as also to Ashta Shaktis viz. Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Roudri, Maheswari, Narasimhi, Vaaraahi, Indraani and Kaumari. ‘Ganeshaakhyaana’-‘Utpatthi’, Shani Vikshana, Kashyapa’s Curse to Shiva, ‘Eka Danta’ due to fight with Parashurama, Ganesha Kavacha & Mahatmya

Maharshi Narayana recounted to Narada Muni the account of Ganesha commencing from his birth, the significant events that followed with impact on Universal welfare and his ‘Mahatmya’. Maha Deva advised that Devi Parvati should perform a Sacred Vrata Punyaka in favour of Shri Hari which was like a ‘Kalpa Vriksha’ that fulfilled all kinds of desires including ‘Uttama Putra Prapti’; this Vrata was the best like Ganga among Rivers, Shi Hari among Devatas, Shiva among the Vaishnavites, Brahmana among Charur Varnas, Pushkara among Tirthas, Tulasi dala among leaves, Parijata aong flowers, Ekadashi among Punya Tithis, Ravi Vara among the aweek days, Margasirsha among the Maasas, Vasanta among Ritus, Mother among the Gurus, wife among the closest relative, Mango among the fruits, Pati among Priyajanas, son among the Bandhujanas, Priya bhashan among sweets, Puranas among Kavyaas, and so on. Bhagavan Shiva appointed Sanat Kumara as the Purohit of the Vrata along several persons to acquire Puja materials and intiated the proceedings of the year-long vrata on Magha Shukla Trayodashi with the objective of securing an extraordinary male child with Vishnu’s ‘Amsha’. Brahma and many important Devas arrived to attend the Vrata, besides innumerable Maharshis and Rishis like Kapila, Kratu, Vasishtha, Pulaha, Atri,

nu maya Gauthma, Bhrigu and arkandeya. Dharma Putra Nara-Narayanas, Dikpalakas, Devatas, Yakshas, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Vidyadharas and so on.Bhagavan Vishnu and Devi Lakshmi too arrived, to initiate the Maha Vrata. Vishnu Deva addressed the illustrious gathering and blessed Devi Parvati for performing this unique Vrata which woul grant her the benefit of thousand Rajasuya Yagnas and Golokanath Shri Krishna himself would be born as partial ‘Amsha’ to the Shiva-Parvati pair. He further declared the boy to be born would have over thousands of epithets like Ganesha the house hold word in Trilokas and as the Lord of Ganas; Vighna nighna as he would bless that no obstacles would be faced by the Performers of any deed the Worlds over; Lambodara since his Bhaktas would pamper and offer him food specialities that he liked and his stomach would be thus elongated; Gajaanana since an elephant face would be fixed on his shoulders soon; Ekadanta as he lost one of his tusks in an encounter with Parashurama. Lord Vishnu ordained that if Ganesha were not worshipped no puja would be ever successful anywhere in the Trilokas. As the Vrata was executed perfectly as per the prescribed ‘Vidhana’, the illustrious guests were treated in high esteem, appropriately gifted and respectfully provided unique ‘Bhojanas’. Then the question of Dakshina was raised by the Purohit Sanat Kumara for sucessfully conducting the Vrata; he said that either she parted with the Tapsya that she had been putting in all through her life or given away her husband Parama Shiva. Devi Parvati argued that if her Vrata were to be fruiltful by givng away either her Tapasya or her husband, then the vrata was not worth it, except that she would beget a son and secure Dharma! It was like performing puja to a tree by ignoring the interest of the Bhumi! A husband would be more worthy to a Pativrata than obtaining hundred sons! As Parvati was arguing like this, Vishnu offered the solution of giving away Shiva as Dakshina and got him back in exchange of cows which were of Vishnu Swarupa. Evenwhile Parvati was not satisfied the solution, Sanat Kumara performed ‘Purnaahuti’ of the Vrata and Maharshis recited the Swasti Mantras and the Sacred Vrata was concluded. But Parvati was none too happy about the deal suggested by Vishnu. However she offered one lakh cows in exchange of her husband, especially since Vedas underlined that the price of a cow was that of a husband. The problem was still not settled as Sanat Kumara said as to what would do with one lakh cows in place of an invaluable Shiva! Devi Parvati was non-plussed since neither she was able to secure the Vrata Phala by getting a son of Krishna Amsha as assured by Vishnu, nor could even get the ‘darshan’of Shri Krishna. Just as her mind was disturbed on these lines, there descended a big blaze from the high skies like thousand Suryas and all the dignitary Deities present looked up in awe and dread; Vishnu, Brahma, Mahadeva, Dharma, Saraswati, Savitri, Lakshmi, Himalaya and various Devatas. Devi Parvati was overcome at the vision of an all compassing radiance and broke into grateful tears that after all the Vrata that she performed was indeed triumphant and that the Mula Purusha had acknowledged its success! She was literally dazed and prayed to that huge illumination and Paramatma obliged her with his physical vision for a while eventually the vision disappeared. Sanat Kumara released Shiva, gifts were given away liberally to all the invitees, excellent food was served, music and dance were displayed and Shiva and Parvati knew no bounds of joy. Meanwhile a hungry Brahmana appeared on the scene and after taking food counselled the couple about the Parama Tatwa of the Unparalelled, Ever lasting Truth and about the Most Compassionate Supreme Power and he too disappeared suddenly. Even as Parvati was utterly bewildered in that stage of heightened astonishment and shock with incidents happening so swiftly that she was in unbelievable dreams, an ‘Akash Vani’was heard loudly and clearly that Shiva and Parvati should immediately reach

nu maya their Mandir: The Celestial Voice said: ‘Jaganmaataa! Please be composed and see for your self your own son in your Chamber; he is indeed the Goloka Pati Paratpara Shri Krishna Him self! The boy is the sweet fruit of the Magnificent Tree of the Punyaka Vrata that you had so successfully accomplished! It is that Parama Teja which the highest yogis dream of visioning; it is that Adi Purusha whom Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are constantly absorbed in with Dhyana; and it is that Punya Rasi Swarupa whose very thought dispels all Vighnas of all Beings in Trilokas who is lying playfully in your bed chamber indeed!!’ As soon as the Akashavani Devi Saraswati made the celestial announcement, the ShivaParvati couple made a swift dash into their Mandir, embraced the child by quick turns and gave ‘Mangala Snaana’; even before the Snaana, all the Devatas, Dikpalakas, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Maharshis got collected and instantly Vishnu, Brahma, Dharma and their spouses were anxiously waiting for the Darshan of the Sacred Child. Vishnu blessed the child with ‘Deerghaayu’/ long life, Vignaan like that of Shiva, and ‘Sarva Pujyata’/ Worship worthiness soon! Brahma said that the child’s fame and Shakti be known all over at once. Maha Deva blessed his son that like himself he should become a Daata (Philanthropist), Hari Bhakta, Buddhimaan, Vidyaavaan, Punyavaan, a Jitendriya and Shanta Murti. Dharma Deva blessed to be a Dharmika / the Form of Virtue, Sarvagjna/ the All- Knowing, Dayaalu / Kind hearted, and ‘Shri Hari Samaana’/ equivalent to Shri Hari. Devi blessed him to be a resident of each and every home and be an ever charming and Powerful source of Strength to every body. Saraswati blessed him Dharana and Smarana Shakti /Memory Power, Vivechana Shakti / Thinking Power and Kavita Shakti (Power of Imagination). Veda Maata Savitri blessed that he should become a Veda Gnaani. Vasundhara (Bhu Devi) blessed Ganesha to be an emblem of Kshama (Forbearance), Sharana daata (Provider of Refuge), Ratna Sampanna (The Fund of Opulence), Vighna Rahita and Vighna naashaka (The destroyer of Obstacles). Parvati blessed Vinayaka to excel inhis father’s traits as Maha Yogi, Siddha, Siddha pradaata, Shubha karaka / Giver of Auspiciousness, Mritunjaya / the Conqueror of Death and ‘Atyanta Nipuna’ or the Embodiment of Skills. Those who read or hear about the ‘Ganesha Janma Vrittanta’ are blessed in several ways: the childless would get chidren, the poor gets rich, the wifeless gets wife, the diseased gets healthy, an unfortunate woman gets fortunate, a spoilt child gets discipined, money lost gets recovered and an unhappy person finds himself extremely joyful. Shani Vikshana: Once Devi Parvati happened to meet Lord Shaneswara the Planet and the son of Surya Deva during the Festive days of Ganesha’s birth celebrations and asked him to bless the child. Shani Deva declined politely as his looks falling on a newly-born (or for that matter on any person) would not be auspicious to the child, since he was cursed by the daughter of Gandharva King called Chitraratha, to whom she was engaged as decided by his father. Unfortunately, he encountered the woman when she was about to have her bathing after menses; she cursed Shaneswara that whom soever he would see a person even by mistake would have his head cut! Parvati did not take what Shani Deva said seriously and prevailed onhim to bless Ganesha. Although Shani Deva glanced the child through the corners of his eyes, Ganesha’s head droppped abruptly and Devi Parvati fainted at this sudden tragedy. The dropped head of the boy reached Goloka and Vishnu realised as to what had happened. He jumped on Garuda and flew towards North to locate any ‘Praani’ sleeping northward and found a bull elephant; its head was sliced with his Sudarshana Chakra and fixed the elephant head in place of the head of Ganesha and blessed the child foremost after the fxation of the elephant head and returned to Kailasa. After getting better from her faint,

nu maya ( This ‘Samsaara Mohana Kavacha’s Prajapati is Rishi, Brihati is the Chhanda, Swayam Lambodara Ganesha is Devata; Dharma, Artha, Kaama and Moksha is the ‘Viniyoga’; this entire Kavacha is of great essence: Let the Mantra Om gam hum Shri Ganeshaaya swaaha safeguard my head; the Dwadashokshara Manta save my forehead; let Om Hreem Kleem Shreem Gam protect my netras / eyes; may Vighnesha protect my ear lobes; let the Mantra Om Hreem Shreem Kleem protect my nose; let the Mantra Goum Gam Shurpaanyaya Swaha guard my lips and tongue; let the Mantra Om Lam Shreem Lambodaraaya Swaaha secure my cheeks; may the Mantra Om Kleem Hreem Vighna naashaaya swaaha keep my ears safe; let Om Shreem Gam Gajaananaaya swaahaa secure my shoulders; may the Mantra Om Hreem Vinaayakaaya swaaha guard my rear part of my body; let Om Kleem Hreem protect my ‘kamkaal’/ skeleton and the Mantra Gam save my chest. Let Vighna-nihanta provide safety to my hands, feet and the entire body! May Lambodara save my Eastern side, Vighnanayaka the Agneya side, Vighnesha the Southern side, Gajaanana the Nirruti side, Parvati putra the West, Shankaraatmaja the Vaayavya side, Shri Krishna the North, Ekadanta the Ishaana kona, Heramba the Urthwa bhaga / skyward, and Ganaadhipa the ‘Adhobhaga’ the underground. May the ‘Yogi Guru’ procect my while asleep or awake. This is how I explained the whole ‘Samsara Mohana naama Kavacha’to you Suryanandana Shaneswara. This Kavacha was bestowed to me when I attended the ‘raasa leela’ convention at Goloka and this should be divulged to one and all. If a person wears the Kavacha after Guru Puja, it shall indeed safeguard him or her and bestows the boons of performing thousand Ashwamedha Yagnas and thousand Vaajapeya Yagnaas. The Siddhi of this Kavacha is attainable after hundred lakh japas of it.) Kashyapa Muni’s curse to Shiva: Besides the Shani Vikshana, there was another reason for Ganesha’s Elephant head. Once Surya Deva attacked two demon brothers Mali and Sumali and the ever-kind Maha Deva saved the brothers by throwing his Trishul on Surya and the latter became motionless with a serious injury on his chest and his chariot fell down too. The whole Universe came to stand still, the highly frightened Devas were stunned at the happening and the World was drowned in complete darkness. The highly griefed father of Surya Deva, the powerful Kashyapa Muni, was shattered and gave a curse to Maha Deva that just as his son’s chest was broken open by the Trishul, Shiva’s future son too would drop off as suddenly. The momentary anger of Shiva got cooled down and from his Yogic powers recovered Surya’s normalcy. The demon brothers received their retribution at once as they became victims of dreaded diseases as their limbs were dried up and they lost their strength and shine. Brahma advised that since they annoyed Surya and contracted the incurable diseases, they had to worship Surya himself and please him. He taught the remorseful demons the method of worship to Surya, his Stuti and Kavacha and regained their might and sheen.But Kashyapa Muni’s curse as irretrievable and Ganesha’s head had to be replaced. Parashurama’s encounter with Ganesha and loss of the latter’s tusk: The famed Emperor Kartaveeryarjuna visited the Ashram of Maharshi Jamadagni as he and his huge army was tired by the dusk; the kind Maharshi treated the Emperor and army with excellent food and ‘Atithya’( hospitality) becoming of their stature. The Emperor wondered as to how a Sage could afford such royal meals and generosity. The Muni explained that this was all due to the grace of Surabhi Kamadhenu. A jealous Kartaveerya desired that Surabhi was worthy of the custody of an Emperor but not a poor Muni and that Jamadagni would better give charity to him so that the huge army could be properly taken care of their food needs by Surabhi, whose

nu maya security also would be provided from enemy Kings since the safety of all the Subjects of the Empire was after all his responsibilty! Jamadagni replied that Maharshis would only accept charity but not give to Emperors, that Subabhi was awarded by Indra and that neither he nor Surabhi could be given away in charity without Indra’s permission, and as regards Surabhi’s safety, she had adequate might and mind to conquer any enemy. As mutual arguments got heated up, Kartaveerya decided to take away the Cow by force and Surabhi was prepared for the fight when Sage Kapila at the instance of Brahma Deva prevented the altercation. But, the hurt ego of Kartaveerya propelled him to revisit the Ashram of Jamadagni and killed him with the Shakti sword gifted to him by Dattatreya. Jamadagni’s wife Renuka Devi became uncontrollable and prepared herself as a Pativrata to immolate herself. Parashu Rama, the son of Jamadagni and Renuka arrived at the Ashram and took a vow not only to kill Kartaveerya but the entire race of Kshatriyas and offer Tarpan of blood to the departed soul of his father. Brahma Deva advised Parashurama to visit Shivaloka and please him with his darshan. Shiva was indeed pleased when Parashurama gave detials of his ‘Pratigna’ to avenge the death of his father and also root out the Kshatriya Vamsha as a whole. On hearing this Bhadra Kaali got furious but Parashu Rama broke into tears by narrating the extremities that Kartaveerya in particular and all the contemporary Kshatriya Kings in general were assuming alarming proportions against the Brahmanas, Sages, Maharshis and the very concept of Virtue and justice. Shiva was convinced and awarded a magnificent Trailokya Vijaya Maha Kavacha, besides innumerable ‘Astras’to Parashurama like Nagapasha, Pasuhpatastra, Brahmastra, Agneyastra, Narayanastra, Vayavyastra etc. After practising the Trailokya Vijaya Kavacha at Pushkara Tirtha and pleased Parama Shiva, Parashurama then started his battles with Kshatriya Kings like Matsya Raja, Suchandra, Kaalistavana, Sahasraaksha, and finally the invincible Kartaveeraarjuna who was a Symbol of Kshatriyas who were all fortified with Kavachas and blessings from several Devas and Devis, including Maha Deva himself. It was at that moment of Glory when Parashurama avenged his father’s killing and when the atrocities that thousands of Kshatriya Kings perpetrated on humanity and virtue were ended -recalling Shri Krishna’s human incarnation that Narayana would take birth as and when Dharma was in jeopardy-that Parashurama desired to meet Maha Deva and Ganesha objected to the meeting! As he entered Kailasha, Parashurama witnessed Nandeswara, Mahaa Kaal, Pingalaksha, Vishalaksha, Bana, Virupaaksha, Vikataasha, Bhaskaraksha, Kaala Bharava, Ruru Bhairava, Rudraganas, Vidyadharas, Bhuta Preta Piscachas, Yogendras, Yakshas, Kimpurushas and Kinnaras. As Parashurama passed through several layers of security, finally he landed at the Place where Mahtma Ganesha stopped him. The great veneration, he greeted Ganesha and requested him to allow into the Interior of Shiva. Parashuram utilised all his tactics of justification and persuasion but Ganesha became stiffer than ever. When all kinds of requests, entreaties and prayers to Ganesha failed, Parashurama lifted his ‘Parashu’ and Skanda Deva intervened and tried to keep him cool. But still when Parashurama tried to force entry; Ganesha lifted his trunk, looped the latter with his trunk and encircled the hapless Parashurama round and round to show him Sapta Dwipas, Sapta Parvataas, Sapta Sagaras, Bhuloka, Bhuvarloka, Swarloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka, Dhruvaloka, Gauriloka, and through him into one of the Oceans, lifted him again and showed him Vaikuntha and Goloka where he had the vision of Shri Krishna too. As this playful activity of Ganesha was in progress, the mighty Parashurama hit one of Ganesha’s tusks with the ‘Parashu’ (axe) that Maha Deva himself gifted and the tusk fell off as blood gushed out.As this accident took place, Kartikeya ran towards his parents with fear. The resting parents were shocked and

nu maya Devi Parvati’s instant reaction was to kill Parashurama but being the Loka Mata restrained herself and addressed Parashurama as follows: You are born in Brahma Vamsha to one of the illustrious sons viz. Maharshi Jamadagni and also the son of Renuka of Lakshmi Amsha. You are one of the greatest devotees of Maha Deva. How did you do this to my son! Shiva Deva is your Guru since he taught the Trailokya Vijaya Kavacha and countless Astras from him. Is this the Guru Dakshina that you thought fit to give your Guru! You could have perhaps given a better Dakshina of cutting Ganesha’s head instead of breaking his tusk only! My son Ganesha no doubt has the Shakti of destroying crores of cunning animals like you but was only playful with you; yet you have wantonly hurt him by breaking his tusk not as an accident but with vengeance! You may know that he is of Paramatma Shri Krishna’s ‘Amsha’ and the Deity who receives the foremost puja all over the Universe!’ As she addressed Parashurama with great restriant and reasoning, he felt ashamed of himself, greeted his Guru Shiva in his own heart and prayed to his ‘Ishta Deva’ Shri Krishna. Devi Parvati visioned a Brahmana boy who met her earlier at thet time of Ganesha’s birth; Maha Deva too had the vision of the boy like a quick flash and disappeared. Meanhile, Vishnu appeared and analyzed the critical situation that had arisen out of the serious sin done by Parashurama since what he had was tantamount to Guru Ninda and downright betrayal of the faith that Shankara gave to his sishya! Vishnu further said that Parashurama was momentarily taken by folly as otherwise he too was like Ganesha or Kartikeya; as the Universal Deities with responsibilities like Shiva and Parvati might not impose personal angles into such happenings.Vishnu extolled Devi Parvati as follows: Ganeshamekadantam cha Herambam Vighna nayakam, Lambodaram Shurpakarnam Gaja Vaktram Guhaagrajam/ Naamaashtartham cha Putrasya Shrunu Maata Haripriye, Stotraanaam saarabhutam cha Sarva Vighna haram param/ Jnaanaartha vaachako gascha nascha nirvaana vaachakah, Tayoreesham param Brahma Ganesham pranamaamyaham/ Ekashabdah pradhaanaartho dantascha Balavaachakah, Balam pradhaanam sarvasmaadeka dantam namaamyaham/ Deenaartha vaachako hescha rambah palaka vaachakah, paripaalakam deenaanaam Herambah pranamaamyaham/ Vipattha vaachako vighno Nayakah khandanaartha- kakah, Vipat khandana kaarakah namaami Vighnanaayakam/ Vishnudatthaaischa naivedyairyasya Lambodaram puraa, Pitraa datthaaischa vividhairvandey Lambodaram cha tam/ Surpakaarou cha yatkarnaam Vighnavaarana kaaranow, Sampadyow Jnaana rupow cha Surpakarnam namaamyaham/ Vishnu prasaada pushpam cha yanmurdhni Munidattakam, yad Gajendra vaktra yuktam Gaja vaktram namaamyaham/ Guhasyaagrey cha jaatoyamaavirbhuto Haraalaye, Vande Guhaagrajam Devam Sarvadevaagra pujitam/ Yetanmaashtakam Durgey Namaabhih samyuktam param, Putrasya pasya Vedey cha tadaa kopam thathaa kuru/ Yetanmaashtakam Stotram naanaartha samyutam shubham, Trisandhyam yah pathennithyam sa sukhee sarvato jayee/ Tato Vighnaam palaayantey vaina teyaad yathoragah, Ganeswaraprasaadena mahajnaani bhaved dhruvam/ Putraarthi labhatey putram Bhaaryaarthi vipulam striam, Maha jadam Kaveendrascha vidyaa vaancham bhaved dhruvam/ (Mother Parvati! your son has eight names viz. Ganesha, Ekadanta, Heramba, Vighnanayaka, Lambodara, Shurpakarna, Gajavaktra, and Guhaagraja. Please listen to the meanings of these names; this Great Stotra is the essence of several Stotras and is the demolisher of all kinds of obstacles. In the word Ganesha, the letter ‘Ga’ is ‘Jnaanaartha vaachaka’ and ‘na’ is ‘nirvaana vaachaka’; the letters ‘Ga’, ‘na’ and ‘Isha’ together denote the ‘Isha’ or the

nu maya Supreme of ‘Ganas’; thus one should say: I greet Ganesha. In the word Eka dantha, Eka is pradhaanaarthak and Danta is Bala vaachaka; thus it is said: I salute Eka danta. In the word Heramba, ‘Hey’is Deenaartha vaachaka and ‘ramba’ is paalana vaachaka and the total meaning would be the Administrator of Deenaas or the Needy who seek asylum. In the word ‘Vighna naayaka’, Vighna is vipatti vachaka and naayaka is khandanaarthak vachaka, meaning thereby Ganesha is the demolisher of hindrances. Lamba + Udara or Ganesha has an Extended Tummy as he is fond of consuming large quantities of Savouries and sweets; I adore ‘Lambodara’! My salutations to you, ‘Surpakarna’! with surpaakara/Vikrita/ strained + Karna or ears. ‘Gajavaktra’ or Elephant faced Deva, my prostrations to you! ‘Guhaagraja’ or the elder brother of Guha Deva / Skanda; I pay my reverences to you! Devi Parvati! Kindly listen to the Sacred Eight Names of Ganesha and bear with me before getting angry, if need be. Those who recite these names during the three Sandhya timings with sincerity and devotion would always be happy and victorious, from whom any kind of obstacles run away like snakes approaching Garuda. By the great grace of Ganeswara, those who have no children would be blessed with children, those who have no wives would have them too and those who have the least intelligence would flourish as Vidwans and Poets. Parashurama prostrated before Devi Parvati and begged her of pardon that he as her own child should, since she was the ‘Jagat Janani’/ the Mother of the Universe and said that the he had perpetrated a sin to his Guru and Gurupatni of which he was ashamed. He also performed Puja to Ganesha who too excused Parashurama for his indescretion, for which Ganesha too claimed partial-responsibility. Ganesha’s encounter with Devi Tulasi: As Devi Tulasi was seeking to perform Tapasya on the banks of Ganga, she saw Ganesha a young and handsome youth moving about enjoying the refreshing coolness of the River. Tulasi was readily attracted to him, drew him into conversation by amply indicating her fascination to him and finally proposed to him for marriage with him. Ganesha was taken aback and spurted that she was like his own mother and what was more that he hated to be drawn into any marriage in life as the very concept of family was abhoring to him; he said that the institution of marriage was the terminator of Hari-Bhakti, the destroyer of Tapasya, the indestructible knot of ‘Bhava Bandhana’ or the inescapable rope of family ties, the demolisher of Tatwa Gyana, the closure of the Moksha dwara and the end of personal freedom. Ganesha therefore advised the Kanya to seek somebody else as her life partner and leave him free. Devi Tulasi got terribly annoyed with Ganesha’s weird arguments and the way that he discarded her summarily. She cursed Ganesha that he would be married definitely despite his wishes and Ganesha gave a reverse curse that since she was insensitive of other’s feelings, she would become a the wife of a demon (Shankhachooda) and subsequently bocome a Tree. On realising the backround of each other, they complemented each other as Tulasi was destined to the wife of Narayana and Ganesha was the famed son of Maha Deva and Parvati Devi. But Tulasi leaves should never be offered in Ganesha Puja! Shri Krishna ‘Leelas’ and ‘Mahatmya’

nu maya keertanam shashvad Guna shravana meepsitam/ Nivedanam tasya Daasyam Navadhaa Bhakti lakshanam/ (Bhagavan’s puja / worship, Vandana / salutations, Mantra japa / repetitive incantation of Mantras, Seva /Service, Smarana / memorising, keertana / lyric singing, Nirantara Guna shravana / constant hearing of Bhagavan’s features, and Dasya bhava / sense of servitude are the traits of Bhaktas). Stating this as the consecrated prologue of the Shri Krishna Khanda, the Maharshi explained the basis of the Unique Shakti of Shri Krishna’s taking a human form as an incarnation descending on Earth with the popular human name as Shri Krishna! It was at the specific prayer of Bhu Devi that ‘Adharma’ and ‘Anyaaya’ were at a peak, that the Supreme Shri Krishna assumed the human form! [Yadaa yadaahi Dharmasya glaanir bhavati Bharata! Abhyuddhaana -madharmasya sadaatmaanam srijaamyaham/ Paritraanaaya Saadhuunaam Vinaashaaya cha dushkrutaam Dharma Samsthaapanaaya sambhavaami Yugey yugey/ (Bhaarata! As and when Dharma is affected, I recreate myself in the form of a human being to save the Virtuous and punish the Evil and reestablish Dharma, Yuga after Yuga!) In Goloka on a day, Gopi Viraja Devi happened to be rather friendly with Shri Krishna and she was making amorous advances to the Lord. Devi Radha felt jealous and moved away from there, while Gopa Shridam sought to stop Radha to explain that Viraja was simple and innocent. Radha out of fury cursed Shridam for siding Viraja that he should become a demon on Earth. Shridam too cursed back Radha that she should be born on Earth. After cursing each other, both of them regretted. Shri Krishna gave a dispensation to Shridam that he would become an invincible Asura by name Shankha chooda and finally get killed by Shankara’s Trishula to return to Goloka; Radha would be born into Vraja Bhumi in Gokula in the house of Gopa Vrishabhanu and move about freely in forests and get engaged in Raasa Lilaas along with Krishna and Viraja Devi would be born as a River anf from Krishna would beget seven sons named Lavana, Ikshu, Sura, Ghrita, Dadhi, Dugdha and Jala that would be Seven Samudras eventually! Bhudevi complains of ‘Bhubhaara’ (extreme sins) and Krishna’s human incarnation: As Bhu Devi was extremely distressed with the excesses being experienced by Asuras, she approached Brahma Deva and bitterly wept that it was not possibleto bear the violences and overloads of Evil any longer. Brahma Deva collected all Devas and reached Kailasa where Parama Shiva, Dharma along with Shri Hari travelled to Virajaatata, Shatashringa Parvat, Raasa Mandal, Brindavan and finally landed at Goloka. As Devas were thrilled to reach the Radha Mandir which defied even the imagination of Devas and stood aside; Brahma, Shiva, Dharma and Narayana could not control their emotions to vision the Unique Nirguna Swarupa Shri Krishna and greeted him as follows: Varam Varenyam Varadam Varadaanaam cha Kaaranam, Kaaranam Sarva bhutaanaam tejorupam Namaamyaham/ Mangalyam Mangalaayeem cha Mangalam Mangala pradam, Samasta Mangalaadhaaram Tejorupam Namaamyaham/ Sthitam sarvatra Nirlipamaatma rupam Paraatparam, Nireehamavi-tarkyam cha Tejorupam Namaamyaham/ Sagunam Nirgunam Brahma Jyoti rupam Sanaatanam, Saakaaram cha Niraakaaram Tejorupam Namaamyaham/ Twam -anirvachaneeyam cha Vyaktamayaktamekakam, Swecchaamayam Sarva rupam Tejorupam Namaamyaham/ Gunatraya vibhaagaaya Rupatrayadharam param, Kalayaa tey Suraah Sarvey kim Jaananti Shruteyh Param/ Saraadhaaram Sarva RupamSarva beejamabeejakam, Sarvaantakamanantam cha Tejorupam Namaa

nu maya -myaham/Lakshyam yad Gunarupam cha varnaneeyam vichakshanaih, kim varnayaamyalakshyam tey Tejorupam Namaamyaham/ Ashareeram Vigrahavadeendriya vadateendriyam, Yada saakshi Sarva saakshi Tejorupam Namaamyaham/ Gamanaarhama – mapaadam Yada chakshuh Sarva darshanam, Hastaasya heenam yad bhoktum Tejo Rupam Namaamyaham/ Vedey nirupitam vastu santah Shataascha varnitum, Vedo nirupitam yatthatejorupam namaamyaham/ Sarvesham yadaneesham yad Sarvaadi yadanaadi yat, Sarvaatmakamanaatmam yattrjorupam namaamyaham/ Aham Vidhaata Jagataa Vedaanaam Janakah Swayam, Paataa Dharmo HaroHartaa stotum Shakto na kopiyat/ Sevayaa tawa Dharmoyam Rakshitaaram cha rakshati, Tawaajgnyaa samhartaa twayaakaaley nirupitey/ Nishekalipikartaaham twadpaadambhoja sevikaa, karminaam phala daataacha twam bhaktaanaam cha nah prabhuh/ Brahmaandey vimba sadrushaa bhutwaa vishaniyo vayam, Evam katividhaah santi theshvananteshu sevikaah/ Yathaa na sankhyaa renuunaam tathaa teshaamaneeyasaam, Sarveshaam janakschesho yastotum chakah Kashamah/ (I salute that Tejorupa Paramatma who is Vara, Varenya, Varada, Varadaayaka Kaarana; I commend that Tejorupa who is the Mangala kaari, Mangala Yogya, Mangala Rupa, Mangala Dayaka and Mangaaadhaara; I greet that Tejaswarupa who is Vidyamaan, Nirlipta, Atma Swarupa, Paraatpara, Nireeha, and Avitarkya; I pray to that Tejorupa who is Saguna, Nirguna, Sanaatana, Brahma, Jyoti Swarupa, Saakaara and also Niraakaara. I prostrate before that Tejorupa who is Anirvachaneeya, Vyakta yet Avyakta, Adwiteeya, Swechhaamaya and Sarva Rupa. Paramatma! You assume three gunas and three Swarupas but are far beyond all the Gunas and Swarupas! All the Devas are as a result of your materialisation; you are beyond the reach of ‘Shrutis’.You are the Sarvaadhara, Sarva Swarupa, Adi Karana, Swayam Kaarana rahita, Sava samhara kaara and Anta rahita. Vidwaans might be able to describe you if they could target a Lakshya, but you are Alakshya! How could I describe you as you are indescribable since you are only a Mass of Illumination! You are Figureless but yet have a Figure; ‘Indriyaa Yukta’ but yet ‘Indriyaateeta’! You are the ‘Saakshi’ or the Evidence and Substantiation of every thing, but you have no Saakshi as there is no verification possible. You may not have a pair of feet but possess the proof of the swiftness of light! You may not a pair of eyes but could vision the whole Universe in the minutest details; you may not have hands and a mouth but surely you enjoy our Naivedyas. Vidwans who possess proofs of various ‘Vastus’ mentioned in Vedas including Panchabhutas and so on, but could they provide a proof about youself? I beseech you to reveal yourself, since you are the Saveswara who has no further Eswara; anything or anybody has a definite beginning but you no Beginning as you are the Beginning! Brahma Deva addressed the Tejorupa saying that he himself was the Creator and the Pronouncer of Vedas; Dharma Deva was the unquestioned Ruler of the Universe and Maha Deva was the unparalelled Samhara Karta; but none of us could determine much less guess as to who you are! Prabho! We three are your Bhaktas and indeed you are our Supreme Master. Brahmanda is a reflection and we are mere images. How can we indeed achieve the competence to describe you! ) As the Tri Murtis went into raptures over the vision of the Tejorupa of Shri Krishna, both Krishna and Radha granted their physical appearances. Shri Krishna replied to the sincere tributes that were made and said: Aham praanaascha Bhaktaanaam Bhaktaah praanaa mamaapi cha, Dhyaayanti ye cha maam nityam taam smaraami divaanisham/ (I am the life of the Bhaktaas and Bhakti is my life; I am fully engrossed in the thoughts of my devotees day and night!).

nu maya

Krishna’s instructions to others about various births in Krishnavatara: There after Krishna convened a meeting of Gopas and Gopis and revealed his plans of their descending in the Vraja Bhumi under the leadership of Nandaraya and asked Devi Radha to take birth in the house of Vrishabhanu and Kalavati. In fact, Kalavati was of Lakshmi Amsha and was the Manasi kanya of Pitaras but was cursed to be born in Bhuloka by Muni Durvasa. Then Krishna gave instructions that Lakshmi Devi should be born as Rukmini as the daughter of Vidarbha King and he would reach Kundinapuri and marry her. Parvati would be born as Maha Maya to Yashoda and Nandagopa but would be transferred to the prison where Devaki and Vasudeva would be in Kamsa’s custody and after her rescue from the cruel hands of Kamsa when a celestial voice informed Kamsa that Krishna was already born and was safe some where, could join Maha Deva again. He asked various Devas and Devis to take birth in various houses of Gopas and Gopis. Some of the significant births as instructed by Krishna were: Skanda as the son of Jambavati (another wife of Krishna) who was of half Amsha of Parvati; Kamadeva as Rukmikni’s son in Chhaya Rupa since Rati Devi would be born in the house of Shambarasura; Bharati would be the daughter of Banasura; Brahma would be the son of Praduymna from Rukmini named as Aniruddha; Ananta Deva would be preserved in Devaki’s garbha but would be actually born to Rohini and as he (Balarama) was transferred from one garbha to another would be called ‘Samkarshan’; Kalindi would be another ‘Patrani’/ Chief Queen of Shri Krishna (Surya’ daughter Yamuna as Kalindi); Tulasi would be Lakshmana as another Patrani; Vasudha would be Satyabhama; Sarasvati would be Shayaa; Swaha Devi would be Susheela; Ratnamala would be Sanjna the wife of Surya; from the ‘Kalaas’ of Lotus, there would be sixteen thousand wives of Krishna. (The eight Patranis were Rukmni, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Lakshmana, Bhadra, Mitravinda and Nagnajita). Krishna further instructed that Dharma Deva would be Yuddhishtara, Bheem from the Amsha of Vayu Deva, Arjuna from Indra’s Vamsha, Nakula and Saha Deva from the Amsha of Ashwni Kumaras, Karna from the Amsha of Surya Deva, Vidura from Yamaraja, Duryodhana from Kali, Shantanu from Samudra, Abhimanyu from Chandra, Bhishma from Vasu Devata, Vasudeva from the Amsha of Kashyapa, Devaki from Aditi, Nandagopala from Vasu, Yashoda as Vasu Patni, Draupadi from the Amsha of Lotus and would be born from Yagna Kunda, Dhrushtadyumna from Agni’s Amsha, Subhadra from the Amsha of Shatarupa whose birth was from Devaki’s garbha). Many other Gopas and Gopis were born from the Amshas of Devis and Devis.After Shri Krishna’s instructions to reappear during the Krishna’s incarnation, he was seated with Sarasvati on left and Lakshmi on his right and Radha on his chest. But Radha was unhappy for any seperation from Krishna. Concept of Radha-Krishna ‘Tadaatmya’ (Unification): Assuring that the two entities of Radha and Krishna are one and the same, Shri Krishna explained that the entire ‘Bhahmanda’ was divided into two parts, it would not be possible that either of the parts could exist without the other, like no fruit could emerge without a flower, no flower would exist without a tree / plant and there woud have to be a seedling / seed for these, Prithvi was the foundation, Prithvi’s base was Seshanaga, the latter bears the weight by Kurma, Kurma’s basis was Vayu and Vahu’s ‘adhara’/ hold was Paramatma (me that is Shri Krishna); indeed Krishna’s ‘Adhara Swarupa’was Mula Prakriti ( that is Radha!).

nu maya Shri Krishna further stated that Radha was a Sharira Rupini (Physical Entity) as also ‘Trigunaadhaara Swarupini’; he declared: “I am Your Soul!” If Radha is a body, Krishna is the Supreme Soul! These two Entities are just not different! Yathaa ksheerey cha dhaavalyam daahikaacha Hutaashaney, Bhumow gandho Jaley shailyam tathaa twayi mama sthithih/ Dhaavalya dugdhayoraikyam daahikaanalayoryathaa, Bhugandha Jalashaitya -anaam naasti bhedastadhaavayoh/ Mayaa Vinaa twam nijeevaa chaadrushyoham twayaa vinaa, Twayaa vinaa Bhavam kartum naalam Sundari nischitam/ Vinaa mrudaa ghatam karthum yathaa naalam kulaalakah, Vinaa Swarnam Swarakaarolakaaram katrumakshamah/ Swayamaatmaa yathaa nityastathaa twam Prakritih Swaym, Sarava shakti samaayuktaa Sarvaadhaara Sanaatani/ (You are my Shakti just as there is whiteness in milk, the power of thirst in Agni, Gandha Shakti in Prithvi, and the power of coolness in `water; there is thus no separation of Krishna and Shri Krishna just as the whiteness of milk, thirst of Agni, smell of Earth and coolness of water. Without Krishna, Radha cannot exist and without Radha Krishna would not! Without Radha, Creation of the Universe would be impossible and vice-versa, just as a potter could not produce pots without earth, and a goldsmith could not make ornaments without gold! Just as Krishna’s Soul is permanent, Radha’s soul too is never-ending; thus Radha-Krishna’s perception as alive as Purusha and Prakriti are! Shri Krishna Janma: As King Kamsa was happy at the conclusion of the wedding of his sister Devaki with Vasudeva, there was an ‘Akasha vani’ (celestial voice) that thundered to say that Kamsa would be killed by the eighth child of the new couple. Kamsa reacted instantly and sought to kill his sister but the Dharmajna Vasudeva prevailed on him not to do so and thus a pacified Kamsa kept both his sister and brother-in-law into prison and killed six boys each year in a row. As the delivery of the seventh child was nearing, Devi Yogamaya transferred the embriyo into Rohini’s garbha, even as Kamsa took ample precautions. Rohini Devi delivered Samkarshana / Balarama. When the eighth conception was confirmed, Devaki’s garbha was filled up with Vayu and just at the entry time of the tenth month, Kamsa tightened the security of the gates as he was aware that the eighth child would be his killer. Even as Kamsa was lying restless in his bed awaiting instant call of the Dwarapalakas to convey the news of Devaki’s delivery, little did he realise that Brahma and Devas assembled in the prison ready in position to welcome the Supreme Lord of Srishthi-Sthiti and Palaya was arriving. The Dwarapalakas were lulled into stupor and the Great Grand Vision of a High Luminosity gave the first Darshan to the proud parents who were in a daze and after a quick recovery of their senses, broke down into ecstacy as the Lord spoke to Vasudeva and Devaki and revealed that in their previous birth they were Kashyapa Muni and Aditi and he bestowed them the boon of their possessing the Lord as their proud son! The rest was history that Vasudeva was directed to transfer the resplendent Child from the delivery room to Nanda-Yashoda couple across River Jamuna in Gokula, brought the latter’s female child Maha Maya to the prison in Mathura of Kamsa, Kamsa’s attempt to kill the child, Vasudeva and Devaki pleaded that the child was a baby but not a boy, there was an Akash Vani saying: ‘You fool Kamsa! Why are trying to kill a baby without a reason; you are not aware of the peculiar ways of Vidhata! The boy who is destined to kill you has already been born and would reveal at the appropriate time.’ Kamsa then spared the baby although Devaki and Vasudeva continued to be in shackles; they were indeed aware of the Truth from Shri Krishna himself during his Vision Vasudeva and Devaki prayed to Maha Maya /Parvati Devi and at the time of Rukmini’s

nu maya wedding to Krishna handed over Parvati to Durvasa Muni who had the Amsha of Bhagavan Shankara. Shri Krishna Leelas: On hearing a Celestial Voice again when he was in his Court, King Kamsa was alerted that Vasudeva transferred his enemy boy Krishna from Mathura to Gokula in the house of Nanda and Yashoda and brought back Maha maya and Krishna was Narayana himself who would exterminate Kamsa for sure.Along with him, his brother Balaram too was growing in the same house! Kamsa despatched his sister Putana to Nanda’s house on the pretext that she was a Gopa Kanya from Mathura, gained confidence of Yashoda and fed milk with her breast to which she applied poison with the plan of killing Krishna. But Bala Krishna gave such a powerful bite that she died! Yashoda and Nanda were astounded at the incident and not realising that he was Paramatma himself called Brahmanas to ward off evil eyes and took precautions that such accident would not recur. Putana in her earlier birth was the virtuous wife of King Bali called Ratnamala who prayed to Vamana Deva that her desire was to breast-feed Narayana as a child and Krishna fulfilled her desire now! Another demon called Trinaavarta who suddenly arrived on the banks of Yamuna River as a whirl-wind when Yashoda put Krishna to sleep for fresh and cool air. The storm was felled even big trees and created havoc followed by darkness and in that confusion Krishna was lifted up the sky and the helpess Yashoda fainted. Bala Krishna controlled the Rakshasa by the pressure on his head of his left toe and dropped him to death to the ground with a thud and sent him to Goloka. The demon was the King of Pandyadesha named Sahasraaksha who was once enjoying a swim in a river near Gandhamadana Mountain along his wives and even noticing the Muni Durvasa with his thousand desciples did not care to greet him with reverence and ignored him. The Muni cursed the King to become a demon; his queens were surprised at the curse to their husband and having prepared an Agni Kunda jumped into it. The King begged the Muni’s clemency and the latter gave his ‘Shapa vimochan’/ relief from the curse when Lord Krishna’s foot would touch the demon’s head; as regards his queens they would be born into royal families as unwed Kanyas and Krishna would marry them. Garga Muni performed Nama Karana of Krishna: in the word Krishna, ‘Ka’ kaara indicated Brahma Vachak; ‘ru’ kaara Ananta (Sesha) Vaachaka; ‘sha’ kara is Shiva and ‘Na’ kaara was Dharma vaachaka, ‘A’ kaara was Vishnu vaachaka and Visarga was of Nara-Narayana Artha bodhaka. Krishna would thus mean Sarva Swarupa, Saradhaara and Sarva Beeja.’Krish’ shabda is nirvana vaachaka, ‘na’ is moksha bodhak thus indicating the bestower of Nirvaana and moksha. Also the word ‘Krish’ indicated ‘nischeshta’ or stand still, ‘na’ means Bhakti and A’ kata is the bestower.Bhagavan is Nishkarma Daataa or the Giver of Deeds without aiming returns. Nanda Kumara gave the following mames to Krishna, viz. Krishnah, Peetambarah Kamsadwvansi cha Vishtara swavaah, Devakinandaah Sheeshu Yashodanandano Harih, Sanataanochyto Vishnuh Varveshayah Sarvarupadhtuk, Saradhaarah Sarvagatih Sarava kaaran kaaranah/ Radha bandhu Raadhikatma Raadhikaajeevanah Swayam, Raadhikaasahachaari, cha Raadhaamanasapurakah/ Radhaadhano Raadhikango Raadhikaasakta maanasah, Raadhaapraano Raadhikesho Raadhikaaramanah Swayam/ Raadhikaachitta chorascha Raadhaa praanaadhikah Prabhu, Paripurnatamah Brahma Govindo Garudadhwajah, Naamaanyethaani Krishnasya shrutaani Saampraah Vraja, Janma mrityu haranyeva Raksha Nanda Shubhakshano! Nanda Kumara also gave the names of Balarama as Haladharah, Sankarshana, Ananta, Baladeva, Hali,

nu maya Shitivaasa, Neelaambara, Musali, Revatiramana and Rohinaya.The inseperable pair of brothers was a joy to the well-wishers. As Yashoda had gone for Yamuna Snaana, Bala Krishna consumed milk, curd and butter in the house freely along with his friends and broke lot of utensils and earthen pots. On return home Yashoda found that Krishna was responsible for the disorder and as a punishment tied him to a huge tree. Even as she got busy with her chores in the house, she heard sounds of thud since the massive tree fell on the ground and as Yashoda rushed to the spot in the backyard, Krishna’s innocent face looked up and Yashoda was told that one Deva greeted Krishna and alighted a Viman up the skies! That was Nalakubara the son of Kubera who became a tree as Muni Devala was disturbed of his Tapasya and received a curse awaiting Krishna’s sacred touch. Apsara Rambha who was also responsible for the noise was cursed to be the wife of King and was released by Indra’s hand touch at an Ashvamedha Yagna. As Krishna entered the teens, there were a series of mishaps at Gokula while Krishna and his Gopa friends were moving about in the nearby jungles. A huge Rakshasa in the Form of a Crane called Bakasura and attacked Shi Krishna; he was so formidable that even the Vajrayudha of Indra made of Dadheecha Muni’s backbone turned futile and Devas made ‘Hahaakaar’ in their battle against him in the past. Shri Krishna took the form of grass and the Asura picked it up and ate it; just as Agastya Muni digested the Asura Vataapi, Krishna emerged from Bakasura’s stomach by bursting it out and thus put an end to that mighty demon. Vrishabhaasura Pralamba attacked Krishna as he was playful with Gopa boys who were frightened but Krishna smiled and gave courage to his friends; he held the bull horns with such power of his hands the the horn dropped down with gushing blood and mighty mass of Pralamba came down with a thump and died instantly. Maha Daitya Keshi assaulted Krishna approaching him with top speed by digging earth making frightful sounds and trying to bite Krishna with his teeth. But the physique of Krishna was so strong that the Demon’s powerful teeth crumbled to dust and the Daitya died instantly. Watching the scene of Keshi’s death, Devas sounded drums of victory and rained fragtrant flowers in sheer relief and happiness. Keeping in view of the frightening and frequent occurences at Gokula, Nanda decided to shift to Brindavana , a newly built and well planned Nagar built by Vishwakarma which was five yojanas wide and beautiful. Gopa Vrishabhanu and Kalavati had an excellent Palace in which their daughter Radha lived in. Nandagopa and Yashoda too had a comfortable ‘Bhavan’ too in which Shri Krishna lived. More than these were the most charming Brindavana, the Madhu vana and the breathtaking Raasa Mandali. One day, a playful Krishna along with a few friends roamed into the deep green forests of Yamuna banks and reached a lonely ‘Sarovar’ which seemed to be never frequented. As Krishna and friends discovered heaps of dead cows, Krishna entered the waters all alone.The mighty Kalia Snake devoured Krishna but it could not contain it and had to vomit him out. Krishna jumped up the hoods and subdued it. The Great snake fainted and other companion snakes ran helter-skelter. Kaliya’s wife Surasa prayed to Krishna and begged him for Salvation. Since Krishna did not reappear for long time, the friends were greatly agitated and reached Nanda, Yashoda and Balarama. After a painfully long interval, there appeared Krishna dancing on the massive heads of the most dreadful Kaliya. The fully subdued and explained that he and his family could not travel to Yamuna River for fear of Garuda; Shri Krishna falilitated Kaliya’s smooth passage out of the Kalindi since the Lord’s foot prints

nu maya were easily recognised by Garuda Deva. Meanwhile, Krishna’s parents and in fact most of Brindavana vaasis rushed to the Sarovar, despite Balarama’s assurances of Krishna’s safety only to witness the joyous spectacle of Krishna dancing away on the hoods of Kalia. As Nanda Gopa was afraid that if Indra Yagna were not performed at the Govardhana Giri, Indra would take revenge and there would be natural disasters. Shri Krishna discounted this false belief; instead there should be worship of Narayana, of the Govardhana Mountain, of Brahmanas, of cows and of Agni Deva who were all of Narayana Swarupa. Since Krishna persuaded Nanda to perform Govardhana Puja instead of Indra Puja. Indra Deva became furious and punished Brindavana with mighty winds and torrential down-pours. There was ‘Ati Vrishti’, ‘Shila Vrishti’, ‘Vajra Vrishti’ and ‘Ulkaapat’. As Nanda Gopa sought to regret his action of not worshipping Indra, the confident Krishna lifted the entire Govardhana Mountain with his left hand and asked all the Bridavana Residents including men, women, children, cows and all other beings to take shelter underneath. Indra thus realised his arrogance and folly; he prayed to Shri Krishna, but more significantly Nanda Gopa and all the Residents of Brindavana were over-awed that they were all indeed so fortunate to be in the company of Paramatma himself! As directed by Shri Krishna, Gopa boys entered Talavana and plucked fruits from the trees, knowing that Dhenukasura who had a Form of a donkey stayed there and even Devas failed to enter it. As expected there was a fearful braying of a donkey apparently of Dhenukasura. The Gopa boys thought that their last minutes of life had arrived and started reciting the name of ‘Krishna, Krishna’. Krishna assured them that there was no fear at all. He said that this Asura was born of Durvasa Muni’s ‘shaap’ (curse) and that he would deal with him alone and asked Balarama to take the boys away. As soon as Dhenukasura faced Krishna, the latter gave a fiery look and even Krishna’s vision was adequate to bring the memory of Asura of his past birth’s happenings. King Bali’s son Sahasika once was attracted to Apsara Tilotthama in an open garden and Tilottama too liked Sahasika. Not realising that Muni Durvasa was in serious Tapasya, the lovers were playful spoiling the Muni’s concentration and thus cursed Sahasika to take the birth of a donkey and be a cruel Daitya and that Tilottama too would be born to Banasura as Devi Usha the wife of Pradyumna. Durvasa however gave a dispensation to the Daitya Dhenkasura that the moment who would seek to attack Sri Krishna in his Human Avatar; Krishna’s sacred vision would give the realisation about his Vamana Avatara and of his father King Bali of Rasatala. King Kamsa the maternal uncle of Shri Krishna, who had been overtaken by fear of death ever since a Celestial Voice cautioned that the eighth child of his sister Devaki and Vasudeva would kill him. He tried his best to have Krishna eliminated even as a child and despatched a number of Evil Powers but each time Krishna was terminating as they attempted. As a result, Kamsa was desperate and restive and one midnight got a bad dream that a frightening black widow with flowing hair, sharp teeth and nails was applying oil on his limbs laughing boisterously accompanied my very tall and grotesque masculine figures performing deathdances! Next morning a shattered Kamsa convened a meeting with his family members, close and trusted Ministers and his Purohit Satyak- a dear disciple of Guru Shukracharya- and conveyed about the horrible dream and its possible effects. Guru Satyak discounted the dream and to ward off the bad omens, and suggested to perform Maheswara Yagna and also puja of the Paashupata Dhanush with Maha Nandi gifted away to Banasura, and the same was in the Royal possession of Kamsa. Kamsa suggested that the proposed Yagna and

nu maya worship of the Dhanush would be a great opportunity to invite Krishna and Balarama to the festivites and approved Akrura to depute to Brindavana to personally invite Krishna and Balarama brothers to visit Mathura. Akrura, the elder and respected virtuous person of Yadukula headed by Nanda gopa at Brindavana was thrilled at the opportunity of inviting Krishna and Balarama and personally bringing them to Mathura. Kamsa’s plan was to somehow get the brothers of Brindavana and make foolproof arrangements to trap them to death. Devi Radha and Gopikas as well as Nanda and Yashoda, besides the entire Brindavan were most unhappy that Krishna would be separated while on Krishna’s tour to Mathura. Krishna assuaged their feelings, especially of Devi Radha. Having reached Muthura, Krishna and Balarama were surrounded with admiring crowds, straightened and transformed the deformed and ugly girl Kubja into a pretty maiden, accepted the flowers being taken to the Royal Court by the Maali (gardener), punished the pro-Kamsa dhobi (washerman) on way and threw the Royal dresses in a gutter saying there was no further need for expensive dresses for Kamsa, visited the houses of Akrura and other senior Vishnu Bhaktas to accept delicacies for food, revisited Kubja Devi’s residence to bless her and despatch her to Goloka, broke the Paashupata Dhanush with ease and aplomb even as the entire Mathura was agog and awe, met parents Devaki and Vasudaeva even as their tears with profuse ecstasy were overflowing, killed the rogue elephant at the Entrance of the Kamsa Sabha, devastated the massive-bodied Malla Chanura, mesmerised the crowds with his charm and valour; forcibly dragged the most arrogant, merciless, villianous and dreaded King Kamsa to the center of the stage set for the duels with Malla Chanura and called for his Sudarshana Chakra to have the ignominous head of Kamsa sliced! Later on Krishna released his parents from bondage, reinstated Ugrasena, the father of Kamsa as the King and the suppressed Yadava community breathed fresh air of redemption.Garga Muni performed ‘Upanayana’ (Initiation to Gatatri Mantra) of Balarama and Krishna, the latter underwent formal ‘Gurukula Vaasa’ or residential education at the house of Sandeepani and as a Guru dakshina brought the dead son of their Guru and his wife back to life! ‘Dwaraka Nirman’: On return from ‘Guruvaasa’, Krishna and Balarama returned to Mathura and planned the construction of Dwaraka puri. Krishna remembered Garuda Deva, Ksheera Sagara and Deva’s Architect Vishwakarma. He secured large area in the Seashore from Samudra Deva. Both the brothers discarded Gopa’s attire and wore Raja’s dresses. He requested Vishwakarma to build a modern, spacious and luxurious Dwaraka Nagar with fantastic facilities for all the residents of Mathura for accommodation on back-to-back basis including human beings, cows and so on. Vishwakarma planned and materialised an ideal City which was a model as per Vaatsu Shastra; huge amounts of building material including precious stones and gold was procured and support Engineers and workforce arrived. The City was got ready and the complete contents of Mathura were transferred overnight and the population was thrilled at the miracle. Dwaraka was inaugurated and Devas including Brahma, Hara, Ananta, Dharma as also Maharshis and of course the Yadavas with great pomp and show! Krishna kills Shishupala and Dantavaktra: Shri Krishna was invited to ‘Indraprastha’, the New Capital of Pandavass, by Yudhishtara and Panadava brothers to celebrate Rajasuya Yagna and as per the advice of grandfather Bhishma, Krishna was named as the Chief Guest at the celebrations. Sishupala who was

nu maya Krishna’s arch-enemy objected to the proposal [when Sisupala was born to Chedi King Damaghosha and Sutadevi, Krishna called on Suta Devi-cousin sister of Krishna- to see the child but the boy was born ugly with four hands and three eyes; Krishna snipped off the extra hands and eye and a Celestial Voice was heard that the person who snipped off the extra limbs would kill him too. Sishupala’s parents begged of Krishna to postpone Sishupala’s death, Krishna agreed that he would not harm the child till he committed hundred mistakes against him]. As Sishupala’s hundred mistake limit was over at the Rajasuya Yagna, Krishna called for his Sudarshana Chakra which sliced off Shishupala’s head. On hearing Shishupala’s killing by Krishna, the former’s great friend Dantavakra attacked Krishna, and after a duel with maces and killed Dantavakra too. In their earlier births, Sishupala and Dantavaktra were Ravanasura and Kumbhkarna killed by Lord Shri Rama; infact they were the ‘Dwarapalakas’/ the Gate Keepers of Vaikuntha who were cursed by Sanaka brothers as they barred entry to Vaikuntha to become two demons in three successive Yugas, but on their entreating the Sanaka Sages secured a dispensation that they would be killed by Narayana himself: Jaya and Vijaya were thus the demon brothers Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu killed by Narayana in the latter’s ‘Avatars’ as ‘Matsya’and ‘Nrisimha’in Satya Yuga; by Shri Rama who killed Ravana and Kumbharna in Treta Yuga and by Krishna who killed Shishupala and Dantavaktra in Dwapara Yuga. Devi Rukmini’s wedding with Krishna: Vidarbha King Bheeshmaka discussed the proposal of Devi Rukmini’s alliance with Krishna in his Court and requested Shatananda, the learned son of Muni Gautama to personally visit Krishna at Dwaraka. But Virarbha Prince Rukmi objected that Krishna was unbecoming of his sister as he was a coward who could not face Jarasandha despite the latter’s challenge to Krishna several times, that he got Kalayavan the Mleccha hero and a close friend of Jarasandha killed by foul means by hiding behind King Muchukunda in a cave, that he ran away to a far off place viz. Dwaraka out of fear of Jarasandha and that a better choice as Rukmini’s husband could be Shishupala and so on. Despite these objections, the King went ahead and despatched Shatananda to Dwaraka and handed over the Lagna Patrika as a consent from his side. Earlier, King Koutukavash performed the wedding of Balarama with his daughter Devi Ravati and Balarama too was delighted about the offer. The efforts made by Rukmi and his ill-advising companions like Shalva, Shishupala and Dantavakra culminated in a battle with Yadavas and Balarama with his plough and Yadu Sena badly defeated Rukmi.The wedding of Shri Krishna and Devi Rukmini was celebrated in the most befitting manner. (Pursuant to the wedding of Rukmini, Krishna’s marriages with Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Lakshmana, Bhadra, Mitravinda and Nagnajita; as Shri Krishna killed Narakasura, there were sixteen thousand ‘Kanyas’imprisoned by the ‘Asura’who were all released free but they begged of Krishna to accept them all as their wives, apart from the ‘Patranis’or as the Principal Wives mentioned above.) [References about the Great Maha Bharata Battle and the Grand Role of Shri Krishna as a Diplomat, Philosopher, Guide and Saviour of Pandavas were few and far between in the entire Text of Brahma Vaivarta Purana; equally scarce were the allusions of the Termination of Yadu Vamsha. Following is the Essence of the last chapters of ‘Krishnajanma Khanda’ when Devi Radha who was hitherto at Bridavana suffering pangs of separation from Krishna’s ‘physical’presence had finally reappeared at ‘Siddhaashrama’ (described

nu maya elsewhere in this Purana that Radha and Krishna were reunited at the renowned ‘Prabhasa Kshetra’). It was stated that Krishna’s human life was for one hundred and twenty five years; eleven years in Nanda Gopa’s house, fourteen years in Bridavana along with Radha, and hundred years in Mathura and Dwaraka; no wonder Devi Radha missed Krishna’s company a long time of a century and over a decade on Earth!] The Sacred Union of Devi Radha and Shri Krishna: Vasudeva performed Rajasuya Yagna as advised Shankara Deva at ‘Siddhaaashram’. One ‘Amsha’ of Rumini and there Devis left for Dwaraka and another was left behind. Krishna asked Nandagopa and Yashoda to return to Gokul from where the originated. Meanwhile Krishna spotted the beautiful face of Devi Radha nearing the Ashram with a group of Gopikas surrounding her. Devi Radha too visioned Krishna from a distance. Having come near Krishna, she said: ‘My beloved! I am thrilled to see you.To day the purpose of my life is fulfilled! My five ‘Praanaas’ are revived and my Soul is filled the bliss. An extremely rare and nearly impossible ‘Bandhu Darshan’ (Mutual Vision of the closest relatives) gladdens the ‘Drashta’ (The Visioners) as well as the ‘Drishya’ (The Vision). I have been drowned in the ‘Shoka Sagara’or the ocean of tears and the burning pangs of ‘Viraha’ or separation. Now, your nectar-like revelation is comparable with the ‘abhisheka’ (Refreshing Bath) of the heat of that severance! In your company, I am as mighty as Shiva, Shivaprada, Shivabeeja and Shiva Swarupa, but my disconnection with you is as unbearable as extreme misfortune and all my actions are lost in wilderness. Even when a wife and husband are disjointed, they do feel the separation; but in our case the ‘Viyoga’ is as serious as that of ‘Prakriti’ and ‘Purusha’!’ As Radha was saying like this, Gopikas prepared a luxurious bed and having kept scented gandha, flowers, fruits, milk and sweets ran away laughing away loud and mischievously. Krishna replied: Devi Radha! By nature I am the Lord of all the Lokas and am the ‘Antaraatma’of each and every Being from Brahma downward. In Goloka, I am the fulfledged, unique and everlasting Krishna as the Swami of Radha. At present I am Krishna of Bridavana as ‘Radhaapati’with two hands in the attire of a Gopala. In Vaikuntha I am the four armed Swami of Lakshmi and Sarasvati. I am the single and Supreme Being divided into two Forms of Prakriti and Purusha. On Earth in Shweta Dwipa on Ksheera Sagara, I am the husband of ‘Maanasi’, ‘Sindhukanya’ and ‘Martya Lakshmi’. I am the Kapila Rishi the husband of Bharati; in Mithila the husband of Sita’; in Dwaraka the Swami of Rukmini of Maha Lakshmi Swarupa; it is my Amsha that Pandavas are as the husbands of Draupadi etc.’ When Krishna said these words, Devi Radha prostrated before Krishna. Devi Radha then desired that before Krishna would take her and all the ‘Goloka Vaasis’, she would like to visit the places where ‘Krishna Leelas’ were performed. Next morning, a golden chariot was arranged to visit Gokul where Yashoda and Nanda Gopa welcomed Radha and Krishna and a memorable ‘Mahotsava’/ Festivity was celebrated. To Krishna’s left side sat Radha and to the right sat Yashoda, Nanda, Vrishabhanu and Kalavati and various Gopas, Gopis, relatives, and associates. Krishna performed ‘Gyanopadesha’ to Nanda Gopa. On way the golden chariot passed through ‘Vraja Bhumi’, Viraja River’s view, Shatashringa Mountain, several Raasa mandalis, original Brindavan where crores of Gopa and Gopikas were present; Radha got down the Chariot to converse with them as she felt so happy that she was lost into herself! As Shri Krishna descended from the Chariot, Brahma, Sesha, Surya, Mahendra, Chandra, Agni, Kubera, Varuna, Pavana, Yama, Ishana and other

nu maya Devas Ashtavasus, Nava Grahas, Ekadasha Rudras, Manus, Munis were all lined up to welcome Paramatma Shri Krishna and praised Him one by one their heart’s content. Brahma Vaivarta Purana ‘Phala Shruti’

This Purana describes the magnificence of Deities and their progression/ evolution. It is comparable to River Ganga among the Sacred Rivers, Pushkar among Tirthas, Kashi among the Holy Cities, and Bharata Varsha among Desas/ countries. This Purana is the most significant like Meru among Moutains, Parijata among flowers, Tulasi among leaves, Ekadashi Vrata among Vratas, Kalpa Vriksha among trees, Shri Krishna among Devatas, Maha Deva among the Supreme of ‘Jnaana Swarupas’, Gyaneshwara among Yogendras, Kapila among Shiddheswaras, Surya among the most radiant, Sanat Kumara among the Vaishnava Bhaktas, Shri Rama among the Kings, Lakshmana among the Dhanurdhaaris, Sati Durga among the Punyavati Devis, Radha among the Premikas, Lakshmi among Ishwaris, Sarasvati among the Panditas (Scholars)! It is a distinct generator of sheer joy, which clarifies innumerable doubts and bestows prosperity and propitiousness. It demolishes of Vighnas (obstacles of any kind) and yields fruits of performing Yagnas, Tirtha Darshanas, Vratas and Tapasya. There is no exaggeration in saying that reading this Purana excels ‘Veda Pathana’. Any unfortunate woman reading this would result in prosperity to herself and her husband. The Purana Shravana or Pathana blesses the person concerned with good progeny, good wife / husband, and name and fame. It relieves of diseases to the diseased, shackles from imprisonment, dangers from the victims of great risks, and panic to those experiencing fright etc. Reciting a stanza or half or even a quarter of this Sacred Purana would result in change of human values, encouragement for further reading and concentration and mental application. If all the four ‘Khandas’are read out or heard or cogitated about, then the past sins of Balya, Kaumara, Yuovana and Varthakya stages of life are burnt off and the fruits of ‘Go-daana’ and ‘Yagna phala’ are obtained. Narayana Maharshi explains about the ‘Tatwa’ of Shri Krishna and Prakriti Devi

nu maya Katoti Shrishtimcha Vidhervidhaataa Vidhaaya nityaamv Prakrutim Jagatprasuum/ Brahmaadayah Prakritikaascha Sarveybhakti pradaam Shreem Prakrutim bhajanti/ Brahma Swarupaa Prakrutir na bhinna yayaacha Srishtim kurutey Sanaatanah/Shriyascha sarvaah kalayaa Jagatsu Maayaacha Sarvey cha tayaa vimohitaah/ Naaraayani saa Paramaa Sanaatani Shaktisha pumshah Paramaatmanascha, Atmeswaraaschaapi yayaa cha Shaktimaamstayaa vinaa Shrishtamashakta yeva/ ( Maharshi Narayana explained to Narada about the interaction of ‘Maha Tatwa’ of Shri Krishna the Supreme and the Prakriti Devi: The entire Universe is well advised to prostrate before that Everlasting and Endless Bhagavan whom all the Shaktis like Ganesha, Vishnu, Rudra, Seha, Brahma and other Devatas as also Manus, Munis, Saraswati, Parvati, Ganga, Lakshmi and other Devis bend their heads down to. Those who are desirous of swimming across and traversing the ‘Samsara Sagar’which encircles every Being by the terrible ‘Daavaagni Sarpa’-the fiery and poisonous serpent- would have to necessarily enjoy the enslavement of the self before Bhagavan Shri Krishna. It is that Shri Krishna -who lifted the Govardhana Mountain with his hand and saved Vajra Bhumi and its inhabitants from the fury and anger of Indra; that he who lifted with ease the entire Bhudevi who was on the verge of sinking into deep Ocean lifted up by the might of his tusks and restored her in her original position; and that he whose skin pores carry endless ‘Brahmandaas’- to whom we dedicate our very existence. It is that Shri Krishna again who is like the ‘bhramara’/ honey-bee hovering around the sweet faces of Gopikas in Brindavana fully engrossed in the ‘Raasa-kreeda’ that we should always meditate his sacred feet. Narada! Is there any body in this world that is competent to describe the ‘Leelas’ of Bhagavan Krishna by whose mere eye-twinkle that a great Brahma engaged in ‘Srishti’gets terminated? Narada! You and I as well as each and every Being are the ‘Kalaas’/ reflections of that Mahat Kala Swarupa! Manus and Munis are of that Maha Kala also! Brahma, Shiva, Adi Sesha with his thousands of hoods holding Earth as though it was a seed of mustard are all of Paramatma’s undescribable ‘Kala’ even as that Paramatma carries Sesha Deva like a fly on an elephant! The Four Vedas failed to describe even an atom of what Shri Krishna in Goloka was all about! Brahma and all the Devatas put together too fell far short of their imagination and far reaching vision to substantiate the Supreme! Shri Krishna was like a Vidhata among unaccountable Vidhatas. Brahma and other Devas are materialised from time to time by Prakriti and Narada! You should worship Prakriti too. Prakriti is not however a separate entity! Prakriti is ‘Maya’or an Illusion but is reflection of Shi Krishna! Yet, the Lord created the Mula Prakriti or ‘Vishnu Maya’ to assist him and that Maya was materialised in Five Forms viz. Radha; the second manifestation was of Lakshmi as the Embodiment of Wealth; the third is Saraswati, the personification of Knowledge, Vidya, Kalas, who is worshipped by all; the Fourth Amsa is Vedamata Gayatri / Savitri and the Fifth Amsha of Prakriti is Durga denoting Shakti, Capacity and Courage. Together, these five manifestations bestow Aspiration, Prosperity, Knowledge, Sacredness of Vedas and Shakti!